Defence Minister promises to reduce expats in Maldives

Minister of Defence and National Security Colonel (Rtd) Mohamed Nazim has promised to put every effort to reduce the number of expatriate workers in the country, to provide more employment opportunities for young locals.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Maldives Marine Expo in Hulhumale’ today, Minister Nazim said the Department of Immigration and Emigration will put every effort to reduce the number of foreign workers in Maldives.

“We all want job opportunities. We have to reduce foreigners to increase jobs for young people. We need everyone’s support to make this happen,” Nazim said.

He said Maldivians are most capable for jobs such as dive instructors and safari boat operators and that immigration policies must be strengthened to reduce the number of expatriates in such jobs. The government will soon open 50 slots for a PADI SCUBA diving course, the Defence Minister said.