Govt Enforces Stricter Ban on Child Labor and Begging from today (July 1)

Under the strengthened laws, children under the age of 16 are now completely barred from being engaged in begging or commercial activities. Additionally, the employment of children between the ages of 16 and 18 in domestic work or other dangerous occupations has also been outlawed.

Authorities highlight that many children, due to poverty or the absence of parental care, are forced into street begging or made to sell goods under the control of adults who are not their legal guardians. Some are even victims of human trafficking.

With these new provisions, law enforcement agencies will now have broader authority to take action against individuals or groups who exploit children for labor or financial gain. The government also plans to launch an islandwide awareness campaign to educate the public about the dangers and illegality of child labor and exploitat