Employers notified to repatriate foreign photographers, cashiers

The Department of Immigration and Emigration has notified employers to repatriate foreign photographers and cashiers and cancel their Employment Approval before 7 June 2015.

The department said in an announcement that the government has decided to cease the issuance of Employment Approval to foreign photographers and cashiers, in a move to increase job opportunities for Maldivians and encourage youth to join the labour force.

The department warned that action will be taken against employers who fail to meet the deadline of 7 June 2015.

The government announced its decision at the beginning of this year, to not allow foreign photographers in the Maldives. Minister of Economic Development Mohamed Saeed said some time ago that the government will take steps to facilitate the operation of small- and medium-sized businesses by local photographers.

Also, the employment of foreigners as cashiers was banned effective 1 April 2015.