The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has issued a warning to employers and migrant workers, stating that strict measures will be implemented starting 1 July 2025 against those who fail to update biometric records by the 30 June deadline.
According to an official gazette announcement, employers will face immediate suspension of services through the EXPAT system if any registered migrant worker under their company holds an active work permit but has not completed the biometric data submission. This includes fingerprinting and facial recognition records.
Additionally, the Ministry outlined a series of actions they will be taken against migrant workers for non-compliance:
- If a migrant worker has been abroad for more than four months on an active work permit without updated biometric data, their permit will be cancelled based on records in the EXPAT system.
- Migrants in the Maldives on non-active work permits may regularise their status—provided their biometric data is updated and they have a valid employer under existing laws and regulations.
- Migrants working illegally on non-active permits without updated biometrics will face deportation, and their permits will be revoked.
- If a migrant has left the country on a non-active work permit without completing biometric registration, their permit will be revoked following a review of system records.
- For migrants holding active work permits who have remained abroad for over one year after updating their biometrics, their permits will be cancelled after a review.
- Migrants with non-active permits may be regularised if there is a prospective employer and their biometric data is up to date.
- Work permits will be cancelled for those who left the country on non-active permits for more than four months, based on verification through system records.
This enforcement drive is part of Operation Kurangi, launched on 2 May 2024, to address the rising number of undocumented foreign workers in the Maldives. Employers have been urged to coordinate closely with local councils and the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology to meet the deadline. For more information or to seek assistance, employers can contact the ministry at 7690228 or email operation.kurangi@mohst.gov.mv.
