Recently we saw a few resorts in the Maldives change their grooming policy to allow for staff to keep facial hair while on duty. Sun Siyam Resorts brought the change to their chain of resorts in early April while Dusit Thai and InterContinental Maldives also implemented this change on 1st May coinciding with Labour Day.

This is a great step forward from these resorts to change a policy that is rooted in the false belief that only a clean-shaven face can be considered professional.

We hope that more resorts will willingly accept the change and consider progressing to allow all staff to keep beards. Dusit Thani and InterContinental are major International brands that have made this change, joining resorts such as Westin Maldives, W Maldives, Patina Maldives and many others which allow for staff to maintain facial hair.

While the staff at Westin have fought for their right through union efforts, it can be seen that the change in policy does not have a negative effect on the property. A few days ago we received news that staff at Anatara Kihaavah have begun to refuse to shave and collectively fight for their right to keep a beard. We commend the union staff at Anantara and hope the management would reach a positive and rational decision in this matter.