Ministry of Economic Development has over 31,000 expatriates have applied for the regularisation programme launched by the administration to document all expatriates working in Maldives illegally. The regularisation programme was launched by the ministry in September last year and it has been conducting the programme in the capital city and some islands.
Speaking at a news conference, Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail said the programme is still ongoing in full swing and will soon be extended to all resorts as well. The minister said the programme was open for 6 months and will end on March 19. He added the programme is continuing with limited resources with the support of all government authorities and institutions.
Minister Fayyaz added it has conducted the programme in Addu City, Fuvahmulah City, Kulhudhuffushi City and Laamu Atoll, in addition to the capital, Male' City. He expressed his satisfaction towards the efforts.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had previously said the administration is working towards solving the problem of illegal expatriates working in Maldives and the administration will see the result of its efforts in one year.
It is estimated over 130,000 expatriates work in Maldives and of which over 60,000 are illegal or undocumented workers.