The Ministry for Homeland Security and Technology published the Regulation for Immigrant Workers in the Maldives today.
The regulation, formulated under the Employment Act, sets out the rights, obligations and conduct expected of immigrant workers while in the Maldives, along with the responsibilities of employers and other related policy matters.
Use of the Expat System
Under the regulation, all communication related to permits and procedures for bringing immigrant workers to the Maldives must be carried out through the Expat system operated by the Ministry for Homeland Security and Technology. The system must be used in accordance with Appendix 1 of the regulation, which outlines procedures for registering immigrant workers and using the ministry’s system.
Only verified eFaas users may access the system. Representatives handling matters on behalf of employers or workers must be over 18 and of sound mind. Where a private citizen brings in an immigrant worker, the individual must be a Maldivian citizen.
Private citizens may register up to five immigrant workers under their name and appoint a maximum of two representatives. Representatives’ actions through the system will be considered actions of the employer, unless they exceed authorised permissions. In such cases, the ministry may refer the matter to the police.
Permits and Worksite Registration
The regulation states that employers are responsible for fulfilling all requirements before bringing immigrant workers to the Maldives. These include registering the worksite, obtaining a quota and securing a work permit.
Worksites may include businesses on inhabited or uninhabited islands, online or virtual business locations, marine vessels used for commercial purposes, and households. Foreign workers may not work at an unregistered or voided worksite.
If a worker changes location, the employer must inform the ministry. The ministry has the authority to inspect worksites, with or without prior notice, and may take legal action if false information is provided.
Quota and Work Permits
Employers must obtain a quota for immigrant workers through the Expat system. The regulation states that bringing workers into the Maldives without a quota, or transferring workers between businesses without informing the ministry, is illegal.
Quotas are issued under permanent or project categories. A fee of MVR 2,000 per worker is required for a 12-month period.
Each immigrant worker may hold only one work permit. For non-professional or unskilled categories, work permits may be issued for up to 10 years. The regulation lists multiple grounds for cancelling a work permit, including employer changes, violations of the regulation, court orders, prolonged absence from the Maldives, or incomplete or false documentation.
Additional Provisions
The regulation also includes chapters on security deposits, employer responsibilities towards immigrant workers, enforcement actions, inspection and monitoring, and determining the number of immigrant workers and permitted work areas.
Ten appendices accompany the regulation, covering policies on worksite registration, quota allocation and fees, work permits, security deposits, accommodation standards, and procedures for cases involving absconding or illegal activities by immigrant workers.
