Gov’t Revenue from Quota Fees Doubles in Maldives Amid Enhanced Enforcement

The Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) has reported an increase in government revenue from quota fees this year, driven by stricter enforcement measures for collecting fees from foreign labourers.

According to MIRA’s latest revenue report, the government collected USD 15 million in quota fees by August 2024, marking a 123% rise compared to USD 7 million during the same period in 2023. In August alone, quota fee revenue surged by 33.7%, reaching USD 2.3 million, up from USD 1.8 million in August of the previous year.

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The fees are processed through the expatriate management system, Xpat, which oversees the employment of foreign workers in the Maldives. The government mandates that individuals and companies with outstanding fees and penalties exceeding USD 6,500 must settle their debts. 

Currently, over 50,000 individuals and companies employ foreign workers in the Maldives. The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has reported that more than 90% of these employers, representing over 45,000 individuals, are not paying their fees regularly.