The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has released a list of companies that have consistently failed to pay expatriate worker-related fees, including work permits and quotas, to the State. The list, published last night, includes over 100 companies that collectively owe more than MVR 100,000 in fines due to unpaid fees.
This disclosure marks the first time the government has publicly named companies that have neglected to pay expatriate worker fees and fines. According to a statement from the Ministry, a total of 1,026 companies have unpaid fees, including several well-known businesses in the Maldives. Among these, 123 companies owe more than a million MVR, with some debts exceeding MVR 26 million.
The current administration has announced a series of measures to address the issue of expatriate workers in the country. These include the deportation of expatriates conducting businesses illegally and a proposed amendment to the Employment Act. The amendment suggests that companies neglecting their responsibilities towards expatriate employees, such as failing to pay salaries, will face fines of MVR 50,000.
Since taking office, the administration has deported 2,000 expatriates working and living illegally in the Maldives. Additionally, Maldives Immigration has introduced a portal called ‘Immigration Watch,’ allowing individuals to anonymously submit complaints and concerns regarding expatriate workers.
