Tourist arrivals from Bangladesh to the Maldives have surged dramatically, with 33,295 visitors in 2024 marking a 17.5 per cent increase from the previous year, as Bangladeshi workers continue to shape the island nation's tourism landscape.

Bangladesh's "The Business Standard" reports that Bangladeshi workers, comprising about 20 per cent of the Maldives' 600,000 population, have created an unexpected home-away-from-home atmosphere that is attracting more tourists from their homeland. The publication notes that many work irregularly, having either absconded from sponsors or overstaying tourist visas.

From Male's narrow streets to the tourist-heavy waters of Maafushi and the busy ferry terminals of Hulhumale, Bangladeshi workers' influence is unmistakable. Local residents frequently greet Bangladeshi tourists in Bengali, creating a unique cultural connection that extends beyond traditional tourism.

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has recognised this trend, now prioritising Bangladesh as a key tourism market. Airlines including Indigo, SriLankan Airlines, and Air Arabia operate regular flights between Velana International Airport and Dhaka.

Recent diplomatic initiatives suggest further growth in this relationship. Maldives High Commissioner to Bangladesh Shiuneen Rasheed has announced plans for a regularisation process for undocumented workers, acknowledging their crucial role in the nation's socio-economic fabric.

However, challenges persist. While some workers have integrated into Maldivian society, others face precarious circumstances. The Bangladesh High Commission's records show about 43,000 undocumented workers registered in 2019, with current estimates suggesting between 10,000 to 15,000 remain without proper documentation.

Authorities have responded with tighter regulations, including daily fines of USD 100 for visa overstays and restrictions on business ownership among migrant workers. Some workers have adapted by transitioning from business owners to employees.

The transformation is particularly evident in tourism, where Bangladeshi expertise has become integral to water sports instruction, hospitality, and adventure tourism. Regular employees with proper documentation receive benefits including month-long paid leave every two years.

Industry experts predict the number of Bangladeshi tourists may soon surpass the worker population, marking a historic shift in the relationship between these two nations. The trend represents a remarkable evolution from the Maldives' traditional role as primarily a labour destination for Bangladeshi workers.