Employers neglecting migrant workers to be disclosed publicly and penalized

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has decided to establish and publish a list of employers who neglect their responsibilities towards migrant workers and penalize them as part of import measures to combat illegal immigration in the Maldives.

The President made the decision at Sunday’s cabinet meeting at the recommendation of his cabinet following comprehensive discussion on a proposal submitted by the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology

The cabinet resolved to strengthen the enforcement system to address illegal immigration in the Maldives.

In this regard, measures were reviewed for migrants across inhabited, resort, industrial, and agricultural islands at Sunday’s meeting following which it was decided that the following steps will be implemented; a 10 fingerprint scans and facial recognition for identification, alongside programs for regularization and Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) for those opting to return home voluntarily.

It was also decided that a list of companies that neglect their responsibilities towards migrant workers upon arrival will be publicized and they will be penalized for employer non-compliance. Further action will be taken if these issues recur.

The cabinet also decided to conduct audits and pursue strict legal action against illegal immigrants in the Maldives with the intention of eliminating obstacles to employment opportunities for Maldivian youth, which are caused by the presence of illegal migrant workers.

Further, the cabinet also agreed to submit amendments to the Maldives Employment Act to the parliament at the earliest in order to achieve a permanent solution to the problem of illegal immigration.

Prior to this, Home Ministry said reforms would be made to legislature in order to ensure Maldivian business entities or individuals are responsible for the expatriates they bring for employment.

Controller General of Immigration Shamman Waheed has recently reminded the public that Controller General of Immigration has the authority to fine Maldivians found working with illegal migrants, with an amount not exceeding MVR 50,000.

Meanwhile, Maldives Immigration has launched a crackdown, especially in the Greater Male’ area focusing on small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) to evaluate the involvement of illegal migrants and businesses run illegally by foreigners.

The authority has been conducting the operation with regular detentions of foreigners they suspect of being involved in illegal businesses or are illegal migrants.