The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has ordered the renewal of expired permits for worksites registered to bring foreign workers to the Maldives.
In a statement issued Monday, the ministry said it is working to strengthen the permit system and improve oversight of expatriate employment in the country.
Starting Tuesday, worksites registered on a project basis will be converted to “pending site clearance” status. In addition, sites that have not taken a quota for over a year will be made inactive from next week.
The ministry has instructed all expired worksites to renew their permits and update documents through the Xpat system.
Undocumented expatriate workers fill up the stands at the Galolhu National Stadium as they wait for appointments for Economic Ministry's regularization program on October 5, 2019. (Photo/Economic Ministry)
Authorities are also intensifying efforts to regularize foreign workers and crack down on illegal employment. Immigration and police are conducting a joint operation targeting unauthorized foreigners and businesses operating without proper documentation. Several businesses have been shut down and multiple individuals taken into custody as part of the crackdown.
The ministry has announced a three‑month grace period starting this month for foreigners working without valid permits or with expired documents to obtain proper authorization.