New crackdown on expat neglect: Fines up to MVR 100K

Local employers who neglect expatriates brought to Maldives will be fined from Monday under last year's amendment to the Employment Act, the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology said on Thursday.

The Home Ministry's announcement on Thursday referred to the amendment that came into force in September last year. The amendment describes the circumstances in which foreigners may be considered to have been neglected and the measures to be taken against those who neglect them.

Neglect of expatriates is considered to be non-payment of salaries and failure to provide basic services to the employee. It will also be considered negligence to commit an act of exploitation or to commit acts against the laws and regulations of Maldives during or after bringing foreigners to Maldives.

In addition, the amendment also considers it negligence to employ a foreign worker other than the one brought in under a local’s quota.

The amendment provides for the following measures to be taken against negligent employers:

• Disclosure of information on employers who neglect foreign workers after bringing them to Maldives

• A fine of MVR 50,000 (fifty thousand Rufiyaa) shall be imposed on each negligent employer

• In addition to fines for repeated acts of negligence, suspension of state services to the employer for a specified period.

The amendment provides that the Ministry has the power to impose fines on employers, not exceeding MVR 100,000 except in cases where specific action is mentioned.

The Home Ministry said in an announcement on Thursday that action will be taken through the Expat portal from Monday onwards.

"No further services will be provided through the Expat system unless the employer pays the penalty," the announcement said.

The government aims to resolve the issue of illegal immigrants within the first three years of its term. The work includes collecting information on foreigners and tracking down illegal immigrants.

Last week, the Ministry of Home Affairs declared that many illegal expatriates were a result of negligence by their employers, and that a significant campaign was underway to help expatriates comply with the regulations.