The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has suspended 7,500 employers from accessing the Xpat system, the online portal used to manage expatriate worker permits, quotas, and fees. This action comes as a result of these employers failing to settle overdue fees and fines related to expatriate workers.
The Xpat system is critical for businesses that employ foreign workers in the Maldives, allowing them to pay required fees to the state and apply for work permits and quotas. Without access to the system, these businesses are unable to bring in new workers or renew existing permits.
Speaking Mihaaru News, Abdul Majeed Ibrahim, State Minister at the Ministry of Homeland Security, confirmed that these entities were blocked after repeatedly failing to pay fines imposed on them. He added that employers would regain access to the system only after settling their outstanding debts.
Employers have until the 16th of this month to pay their fees and penalties if the total amount is less than MVR 100,000. The ministry has indicated that a list of those who do not comply will be made public, leading to further suspensions from the Xpat system.
The ministry had previously provided an option for employers to settle their dues through approved payment schedules. In response to this, 3,692 employers requested to divide their overdue payments into monthly installments, spread over a one-year period. According to the ministry, the highest amount owed among these applicants stands at MVR 23.2 million, which has been approved to be paid off in installments.
Currently, there are over 50,000 individuals and companies employing foreign workers in the Maldives, with more than 90 percent—over 45,000—failing to make regular payments, according to the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology.
