Baby sitters removed from list of jobs banned for expatriates after public criticism

The government has amended rules on expatriate employment to remove baby sitters from the list of jobs restricted for foreign workers.  

The Homeland Security Ministry had gazetted an amendment on Sunday that phased out quotas for expatriates in certain occupations after a set period. Baby sitters were initially included in the restricted list, sparking public criticism.  

Many couples in the Maldives live apart from extended family, making child care a necessity during working hours. Locals rarely take up babysitting roles, which are often filled by expatriates. The inclusion of baby sitters in the ban drew widespread concern on social media.  

Following the backlash, a notice published in the Gazette on Wednesday confirmed that baby sitters have been removed from the restricted list.  

Expatriates remain barred from entering the Maldives for certain jobs, including:  

• Taxi drivers  

• Aircraft co‑pilots  

• Sea captains  

• Photographers  

• Entertainers  

The amendment sets deadlines for phasing out quotas in other occupations:  

• Two years: hairdressers, beauticians, baby sitters, personal trainers, electricians, guest relation officers (English), tour guides, accountants, imams  

• Three years: divers, nurses, building inspectors, surveyors, site supervisors, pilots, photographers  

• Four years: engineers, dive instructors  

• Five years: housekeeping managers, HR managers, front office managers, primary and secondary teachers  

There are already expatriates working in many of these roles, including hairdressers, beauticians, nurses, and teachers.  

Immigration authorities continue to conduct raids to identify expatriates working illegally and businesses operating without permits. The government has pledged to resolve the issue of irregular immigrants within the first three years of its term.