Maldives Unveils Streamlined 2025 Work Visa System To Attract Global Talent.
The Maldives has launched a revamped work visa system for 2025, designed to simplify and accelerate the process for foreign workers seeking employment in the tropical paradise. Announced by the Ministry of Economic Development and Maldives Immigration, the new system introduces a fully digital application process, enhanced transparency, and stricter compliance measures, making it easier for professionals to contribute to the nation’s thriving tourism, hospitality, and construction sectors.
The updated system, effective from 19 May 2024, mandates that employers secure a work visa for foreign employees within 15 days of their arrival on a valid Work Permit Entry Pass (WPEP), issued by the Ministry of Economic Development. Applications are now processed exclusively through the Xpat Online Portal (workpermit.egov.mv), eliminating cumbersome paperwork. Employers initiate the process by registering on the portal, obtaining a foreign employment quota, and submitting required documents, including a machine-readable passport (valid for at least one year), a passport-sized photo, and a medical health screening report from an authorised clinic. A Traveller Declaration, submitted via the IMUGA portal within 96 hours of departure, is also required.
A key feature of the 2025 system is the integration of the Ant Queue app, which streamlines passport collection by issuing online tokens, reducing waiting times and enhancing efficiency. Foreign workers cannot depart the Maldives without a valid visa stamped in their passport, ensuring compliance with immigration laws and bolstering protections for employees. The process, which typically takes three working days, includes an online preliminary check, verification, and final approval, with employers covering all associated fees.
The Maldives, where tourism accounts for 28% of GDP and over 60% of foreign exchange receipts, relies heavily on foreign labour to sustain its luxury resorts and related industries. The new system prioritises local employment but facilitates the hiring of skilled professionals in high-demand sectors like resort management, dive instruction, and construction, where local expertise may be limited. The Regulation on Employment of Expatriate Workers, updated in May 2023, requires employers to advertise jobs on the National Job Center Portal before recruiting foreigners, ensuring Maldivians have priority access to opportunities.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu hailed the reforms as part of broader efforts to modernise public services, stating, “These changes reflect our commitment to welcoming global talent while upholding regulatory standards.” The system is expected to attract professionals from countries like India, Bangladesh, and beyond, supporting the Maldives’ economic growth while maintaining a balanced labour market.
As the Maldives continues to cement its status as a global tourism hub, the 2025 work visa system positions the nation as an attractive destination for skilled workers, promising a seamless path to employment amid its turquoise waters and sandy shores.