he government has announced tougher measures against employers who mistreat foreign workers in the Maldives, with penalties to be enforced through the Expat Portal starting September 15.
According to the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, under the latest amendment to the Employment Act, the names of employers found neglecting foreign workers will be made public. In addition, worker-related services provided through the Expat Portal will be suspended for a specified period.
Repeat offenders will face longer suspensions, while fines exceeding MVR 100,000 may also be imposed for violations not covered under the law. Employers will be required to settle such fines before regaining access to services on the Expat system.
The Ministry confirmed that these measures will be enforced via the Expat Portal starting September 15.
Since December 2023, the government has been working with relevant agencies to address illegal foreign residents. Efforts include collecting biometrics of all foreign residents, strengthening the Expat System, recovering funds owed to the state, and ensuring foreign residents comply with legal requirements.
