The Government has decided to gradually phase out quotas allowing foreign workers in several sectors, prioritising Maldivian employment and regulating expatriate labour.

Amendments to the Employment of Foreigners in Maldives Regulations, announced on Sunday, provide for the implementation of the Government’s decision to restrict the recruitment of foreign workers in specific professions over a phased timeline.

Under the amendments, foreigners will no longer be permitted to be recruited for certain jobs two years after the regulations come into force. These professions include hairdressers, beauticians, babysitters, personal trainers, electricians, guest relations officers (English), tour guides, accountants and imams.

Within three years of the amendments taking effect, foreign recruitment will be prohibited for the positions of divers, nurses, building inspectors, surveyors, site supervisors and pilots.

The regulations further state that work permits will not be issued for taxi drivers, pilots and first officers of aircraft, captains of sea vessels, and professions related to photography, videography and the entertainment sector, unless the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology determines that there is an insufficient number of qualified Maldivians available in those fields.

Within four years of implementation, foreign worker quotas for electrical engineers and dive instructors will be prohibited. After five years, foreigners will no longer be eligible to hold positions at the level of housekeeping manager, human resource manager and front office manager. In addition, quotas for foreign primary and secondary school teachers will also be banned after five years.

The Government has reiterated its commitment to addressing challenges related to expatriate workers, noting that enforcement measures have been significantly strengthened. In addition to labour reforms, the Government has also reserved certain sectors exclusively for Maldivian investment under the new Foreign Investment Act, as part of efforts to protect local participation in key economic activities.