Valid Foreign Work Permits in Maldives Rise to Over 208,000

The number of foreigners working in the Maldives with a valid work permit has risen to 208,937, according to statistics released by the Ministry of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology.

The figures were shared during the ‘Addu Business Dialogue’ held in Addu City, where the ministry outlined key initiatives currently being undertaken.

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During the session, Ali Ihusaan presented statistics on the progress of ‘Operation Kurangi’, launched to address the issue of undocumented foreigners in the Maldives.

According to the statistics, significant progress was made between 12 November 2023 and the first day of May this year in managing and verifying the validity of foreign workers’ permits.

During this period, the number of submitted work permits decreased from 295,678 to 232,884. The number of unverified work permits included in records prior to 2012 also fell from 86,741 to 19,904.

At the same time, the number of active work permits increased from 208,937 to 212,980.

The ministry further stated that the percentage of work permits with a valid visa and paid fees rose from 20 percent to 66 percent. Meanwhile, permits without a valid visa and unpaid fees dropped from 80 percent to 34 percent.

The ministry also reported progress in biometric registration efforts. The number of individuals whose ten fingerprints and biometric photographs were collected increased from 27,200 to 202,224.

Statistics showed that the number of foreign workers in the Maldives with work permits but without biometric records decreased from 181,737 to 10,756.

According to the ministry, 6,716 individuals have newly received permission to enter the Maldives. It also noted that 4,040 individuals who entered the country have not yet completed fingerprint registration.

Immigration authorities stated that enforcement operations targeting businesses run by undocumented foreigners have revealed that many foreign employees, despite holding valid visas, were working outside the scope of their approved permit or employment.

Immigration also warned of an increase in foreigners working illegally under so-called “open visas”. Authorities stated that some workers were earning income through freelance work or employment at locations other than their registered workplace.

The authority urged foreign workers, employers, and the public to act responsibly and comply with immigration and employment regulations.