The government has proposed amendments to the Employment Act to grant the relevant ministry the authority over the number of foreign labourers allowed into the Maldives. The amendment, introduced by Parliamentarian Mohamed Dawood on behalf of the government, proposed to change the previous limit of 100,000 workers per country.
Under the proposed amendments, the relevant ministry will set the number and regions where foreign workers can be employed through new regulations. These regulations will establish different criteria based on industry, occupation, and skill levels to determine the allocation of foreign workers throughout the year.
Additionally, the amendment mandates that decisions be made with the Cabinet advice following an assessment of the impact of foreign employment on the labour market of the Maldives. The factors to be considered include the unavailability of local workers for critical jobs, the potential negative effects on specific sectors due to a lack of local workforce, and national security implications.
Furthermore, employers will be required to register the work sites where foreign workers will be employed, secure necessary permits, and adhere to quota requirements. The changes to the employer or the site of employment will be regulated under the new law. The amendment also grants inspectors the authority to enter worksites without prior notice to detect illegal immigrants, although they must obtain permission before entering residential properties.
Moreover, the ministry responsible for foreign workers will have the power to address illegal foreign employment by closing worksites, imposing fines, and revoking permits under the Immigration Act. The amendment will also introduce penalties for those who fail to comply with the new regulations, including publicising the names of negligent parties, imposing fines of USD 324 per employee, and suspending services for repeated violations.