Maldives Bans Work Visa Conversions to Curb Illegal Employment Practices

The Ministry of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology has announced a decisive ban on converting Business and Special Visas into Work Visas within the Maldives. This policy shift, effective immediately, prevents foreign nationals from utilizing short-term entry documents to secure long-term employment permits through the official 'Expat System.' The regulation targets a systemic loophole previously exploited by businesses to bypass standard recruitment channels. Under the old practice, companies frequently brought foreign professionals into the country on Business Visas—intended strictly for short-term corporate visits—with the preplanned intention of converting them into work permits once they arrived. This move is a central component of a broader government campaign to eliminate undocumented expatriates and regularize the national labour market. As part of an aggressive verification effort, authorities have already collected biometric data from over 294,000 foreign workers, with active work permits now exceeding 208,937. Despite these regulatory advancements, enforcement agencies report ongoing challenges. Recent operations have uncovered widespread discrepancies, including workers holding valid visas but engaging in unauthorized employment outside their permit's scope or managing unassigned businesses. Maldives Immigration has expressed particular concern over the rise of "open visas." These arrangements allow individuals to circumvent formal employment structures to freelance or operate independent enterprises for financial gain, undermining the legal framework of the Maldivian economy. Immigration authorities have urged foreign workers and local employers to maintain strict legal compliance. The government emphasizes that social responsibility and adherence to these laws are essential to ensuring the integrity and stability of the nation's labour market.