Ministry to waive fines for work permit fees until March 10

The Economic Ministry of the Maldives has stated that it will be accepting work permit fees without imposing a fine until March 10. 

Under the new regulations, the government began issuing work permits on February 15. Work permits were issued after the regulation saw some strict changes, such as the inclusion of a verification process. 

The verification process is to be completed through the Xpat online service system. 

The employers or an agent appointed by the employer of the expatriate must also present the expatriate worker to the Ministry after the verification process is completed. 

Verification services can be obtained from the time of entry into the Maldives and during the period stipulated to obtain the work permit. 

The procedure is to be carried out with the biometric data and information details related to the expatriate. The Ministry stated that the expatriate can only be employed upon the issuance of the work permit. The work permit, in turn, will only be issued when the required procedures are completed. 

Expatriates are required to obtain a work permit and visa within 15 days of arrival.