President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the eighth amendment to the Maldives Employment Act, originally enacted in 2008. The amendment, which Parliament passed on Wednesday, 1 September 2024, during its 30th sitting of the second session this year, introduces new regulations concerning foreign workers in the Maldives.
The amendment specifies that foreign nationals can only work in the Maldives if they have obtained the necessary authorisation under the Maldives Employment Act and its associated regulations. It further outlines penalties for failing to comply with these legal requirements, aiming to regulate and control foreign employment within the country.
A key feature of the amendment is the introduction of caps on the number of foreign workers allowed in specific sectors or areas. This move seeks to provide clearer guidelines and more structured regulation of foreign employment, addressing concerns over unregulated or unauthorised work by foreign nationals.
The legislation also places new obligations on employers seeking to hire foreign workers. These obligations include registering the workplace where foreign nationals will be employed, acquiring the required permissions, securing an appropriate quota for foreign workers, and obtaining a valid work permit. Employers found to be insensitive towards foreigners or in violation of these requirements could face punitive measures, as the amendment seeks to safeguard the rights and dignity of foreign employees.
Following the President’s ratification, relevant amendments to the regulations under this Act are expected to be drafted and published in the Government Gazette within three months of the Act’s commencement date. This timeline is set to ensure that the regulatory framework aligns with the newly ratified amendments.
The new rules reflect ongoing efforts by the Maldivian government to manage its foreign workforce more effectively while also balancing domestic employment needs. The impact of these changes will likely unfold over the coming months as both employers and foreign workers adjust to the updated legal landscape.
