Maldives Immigration has announced a sweeping overhaul of its visa system, declaring that e-visas will become the sole valid travel document for migrant workers holding work permits beginning 23 November.
The measure formalises the country’s transition to a fully digital platform and makes the Maldives the first nation in the region to introduce a comprehensive e-visa service. All visa-related services for foreign residents have now been moved online, marking a significant procedural shift. The e-visa service itself was launched on 10 November.
Work visas move entirely to digital format
Under the new rules, the only valid work visa for migrant workers will be the e-visa issued to each individual. Previously, work permit holders were required to submit their passports for physical visa stamping, a process that will be discontinued entirely.
Any unexpired work visa stamped in a passport, even if issued before 23 November, will automatically convert to an e-visa within the system on that date. Physical visa stamps will no longer be recognised as valid. The validity of each e-visa will be directly tied to the corresponding work permit.
Entry and departure tied to e-visa status
For new arrivals, entry permission under a work visa will be granted only to migrant workers who hold an unexpired e-visa. Departure from the Maldives on a work visa will likewise require possession of a valid e-visa.
Migrant workers entering under a work permit must first obtain an Entry Pass issued by the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology. Once admitted, responsibility shifts to the designated employer, the party registered in the Expat Online system, who must apply for the work visa within 15 days of entry. Employers will also bear responsibility for ensuring the ongoing validity of their employees’ e-visas once the automatic system conversion takes effect.
A narrow exception for incomplete applications
A limited exception applies to new arrivals unable to complete the full work visa process within the stipulated 15-day period. In such cases, permission to depart will be granted if the work permit remains valid. This exception, however, is restricted to a single instance within the 15-day window from the date of entry.
Non-work visas follow a different path
The transition differs for foreigners residing in the Maldives on visas other than the standard work visa, such as single or multiple entry visas. While Maldives Immigration will begin issuing e-visas to these holders starting 23 November, previously issued unexpired single or multiple entry visas will not automatically convert.
Instead, any unexpired single or multiple entry visa issued before 23 November will remain valid until its original expiration date. Holders must initiate an application for a new e-visa 30 days prior to the expiration of their current visa. These visas will continue to serve as valid documents for both entry into and departure from the Maldives during their period of validity.