Minister of Homeland Security and Technology has announced new regulations concerning the Employment of Foreigners in the Maldives, targeting the issue of illegal immigration. The ministry confirmed that these regulations will take effect on October 6, with user guides outlining the changes available on the Expat system homepage.
The new rules specify the procedures to be followed when illegal immigrants are reported missing, as well as the associated fees and penalties. A fee of USD 64.9 will be charged for each request made regarding a missing illegal immigrant. Additionally, if a work permit holder who is employed goes missing due to employer negligence, a fee of USD 129.70 will be charged. Decisions have also been made to charge a fee of USD648.5 as Work Permit Missing Withdrawal Services Fee if such a request is cancelled.
Furthermore, the ministry also announced that if a foreign employer is reported missing, opportunities will be made such that the employer can withdraw the request through the Expat system, from October 6 onwards. It stated that this opportunity will be open from October 6-30. Any request which are withdrawn after this period will have to pay a fee of USD648.5. Additionally, the same amount will be charged if a request is withdrawn after seven days since reporting.
The government is exerting several efforts, aiming to ensure that immigrants are residing in the Maldives, in accordance with the law. As such, Maldives Immigration and other relevant authorities have been conducting operations, aiming to achieve this goal.