Fast-Track System for Compliant Expat Employers to be Established by Gov’t

The Ministry of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology has announced that a fast-track processing system is being prepared to reward employers and service providers who comply with national expatriate worker regulations.

During an appearance on Public Service Media’s (PSM News) Raajje Miadhu programme, Deputy Ministers Ahmed Asad and Ahmed Ibrahim Didi revealed the initiative, titled the ‘Whitelisted Employers Programme’. The policy aims to streamline administrative workflows while tracking systemic compliance issues across the country’s foreign labour sector.

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Under the proposed reform, compliant employers will receive priority clearance through the national Expatriate Management System. Applications—which cover foreign worker quotas, worksite registrations, and permit processing—will be handled within 24 hours for whitelisted entities.

On the Raajje Miadhu programme, Asad highlighted that the ministry processes between 1,700 and 2,000 applications daily. He emphasised that the Ministry hopes that the launch of the ‘Whitelisted Employees Programme’ will improve the quality of services. Asad further explained that the system will streamline applications for non-blacklisted employers who pay work permit and quota fees in accordance with regulations, ensuring faster processing.

During the same PSM programme, Didi explained that eligibility for the programme will rely on a dynamic rating system based on regulatory adherence. He noted that the speed at which employers receive these services will depend on their regulatory compliance rating, adding that higher-rated employers will secure approval for work permits and site registrations within a 24-hour window following application submission.

The government has introduced several system reforms, with the ministry now suspending Expatriate Management System access for parties with unpaid fees or outstanding fines while actively pursuing debt recovery.

The Ministry stated that while it is owed over USD 110 million in unpaid foreign worker fees and penalties, targeted enforcement efforts have successfully reclaimed more than USD 77 million.

Authorities from the Ministry further highlight that instalment plans are also being offered to assist businesses carrying substantial debts.