Gov’t introduces new rules to address the issue of undocumented migrants

Minister of Homeland Security and Technology has announced new regulations concerning the Employment of Foreigners in the Maldives, targeting the issue of undocumented migrants. 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 undocumented migrants are reported missing and the associated fees and penalties. USD 64.9 will be charged for each request regarding a missing undocumented migrant. 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 USD 648.5 as a work permit for a missing withdrawal services fee if such a request is cancelled.

Furthermore, the Ministry also announced that if a foreign employee is reported as missing, employer can withdraw the request through the Expat system from October 6^th and until the 30^th of this month. Any requests withdrawn after this period will have to pay a fee of USD 648.5. The exact amount will also be charged if a request is withdrawn after seven days after reporting.

The government has introduced several measures to ensure that immigrants reside in the Maldives per the law. As such, Maldives Immigration and other relevant authorities have been conducting operations aiming to achieve this goal.