The Government has completed the biometric registration of 150,000 foreign workers, marking a major step in its ongoing efforts to regulate the country’s foreign labour force.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced the development on his official X account, stating that the initiative had successfully collected fingerprints from all 10 fingers and facial recognition photographs of each registered worker. The national database has now been fully updated to reflect this information.

Launched on May 2, 2024, the registration drive aims to address longstanding concerns over undocumented labour and associated human rights violations. The announcement comes as the Maldives marks International Labour Day, drawing attention to the significant contribution of foreign workers to the local economy.

In his statement, President Dr Muizzu acknowledged ongoing issues surrounding illegal employment and exploitation of foreign labourers. He stressed that resolving these problems remains a key priority for his Administration.

The biometric registration system, he said, represents a foundational step towards reforming labour practices, enhancing transparency, and ensuring better protection for all foreign workers in the Maldives.

The Government has framed the initiative as part of broader labour reform efforts, aimed at improving documentation, oversight, and working conditions for the country's sizeable migrant workforce.