Ministry of Economic Development has revealed that large fines will be issued to employment agencies that recruit foreign workers without a special license.
The economic ministry has published new policies as part of the government’s efforts to stop agencies from illegally bringing foreign workers to the Maldives. The new policies dictate that employment agencies are required to register in the Maldives and receive a license before recruiting foreign workers.
As such, the agencies are allowed to register under three categories. Category A consists of agencies that provide recruitment and work permit management services. The license for this category will be provided for three years. Category B consists of agencies that provide work permit management services and the license for this category will be provided for two years. Category C consists of agencies that provide labour supplying services for various jobs, and the license for this category will be provided for three years.
As per the new policies, agencies or individuals in Category A that recruit foreign workers without a license will receive a fine of USD3000 and will also receive a fine of USD323 per person they recruit. Their license will also be suspended for six months. Additionally, agencies in Category A and B that provide work permit services will be fined USD647 per person they provide the service. Agencies in Category C that provide labour supplying services without a license will receive a fine of USD3,000 and USD323 per labourer.