The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has set a deadline to pay USD110 million in fees and wages owed to foreign workers.
The homeland ministry stated that a total of 10,600 individuals have not paid the required fees and penalties for permits issued to foreign workers in the Maldives. These individuals owe USD110 million in unpaid wages to the 102,807 foreign workers registered under them. The ministry has instructed those who owe fees and fines to settle their payments by June 18.
The ministry further stated that individuals who fail to meet this deadline will be publicly announced. In addition, non-compliant individuals will be suspended from the expat system, and the issuance of new permits will be halted.
Furthermore, the ministry is addressing issues within the current system to establish a more efficient and accountable service structure. The effort may delay the issuance of quotas, work permits, and deposit refunds.