State recovers over MVR 1 billion in outstanding expat fees

The state has recovered over MVR 1 billion in outstanding fees and penalties for permits issued to expatriate workers, according to Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusan.

The government had initiated enforcement measures to recover the outstanding dues back in June.

In a press briefing at the President’s Office on Tuesday, Ihusan said that outstanding fees and penalties for work visas, work permits and quotas amounted to a staggering MVR 1.7 billion when the government rolled out enforcement measures on June 3.

According to Ihusan, the state has recovered over MVR 1 billion in dues, but has yet to recover MVR 703 million.

Ihusan said that companies and employers who have not paid the fees have been blocked from the Xpat system. He said that they will not be provided services until they settle the dues.

The Homeland Security Ministry has previously expressed concern over the lack of enforcement action taken in the past to recollect outstanding payments. It also acknowledged that employers will have difficulty clearing all outstanding fees and penalties at once, and advised them to apply for settlement plans with the government via the Xpat system.

Maldives currently charges MVR 350 for work permits and MVR 2,000 per annum as quota fee.

Ihusan previously said the government does not plan on raising any of the fees.

The Homeland Security Ministry has also directed the formation of a special taskforce made up of Maldives Immigration Service and the police to crack down on illegal immigration.

Over 4,000 irregular expatriates have been deported since November 17, 2023 – when the new administration took office. Immigration estimates the figure will rise to 5,000 by November 17.