Using in-depth interviews and documentary sources, this paper examines the design, content and implementation challenges of the Maldivian employment legislation (Law No.2/2008) from the perspective of hospitality industry stakeholders. The findings reveal that the complex Maldivian context presents unique challenges to employment legislation. Current employment legislation has not served the industry well, providing leeway for employers to avoid it. The paper highlights that the current one-size-fits-all approach to employment relations in the Maldives does not suit the hospitality industry. It also points to the critical role of labour inspection in implementing employment law and the difficulties associated with this in the Maldives. The paper highlights the importance of adopting a combination of rational-materialist and normative-cultural approaches to employment law reforms.