New regulation phases out quotas for foreign workers in teaching, engineering, and service roles over five years

The Homeland Security Ministry has amended the Employment of Foreigners in Maldives Regulations, prohibiting the recruitment of foreigners for several professions, including nurses, pilots, imams, taxi drivers, aircraft co-pilots, sea captains, photographers, and entertainers.  

The amendment, announced on Sunday, also introduces a phased timeline to abolish existing quotas for foreign workers in other fields:  

• Two years: Hairdressers, beauticians, childminders, personal trainers, electricians, English-speaking guest relations officers, tour guides, accountants, and imams.  

• Three years: Divers, nurses, building inspectors, surveyors, site supervisors, pilots, and photographers.  

• Four years: Engineers and dive instructors.  

• Five years: Housekeeping managers, human resource managers, front office managers, and primary and secondary teachers.  

Officials acknowledged that many foreigners are currently employed in these roles, particularly as hairdressers, beauticians, nurses, and teachers.  

The ministry stressed that the changes are part of a broader effort to regularize foreign employment and curb illegal expatriate activity. Immigration authorities are conducting raids to identify foreigners working without permits and to take action against employers who hire irregular workers.  

The government has pledged to resolve the issue of illegal immigrants within the first three years of its term, aligning with its wider immigration enforcement agenda.