The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has announced that it will implement a Mass Legalisation Programme for undocumented expatriate workers under Operation Kurangi, allowing eligible foreign nationals currently residing in the country to regularise their legal status.

According to the announcement, the programme will open on 1 January 2026 and conclude on 2 April 2026. It targets foreign nationals who are living or working in the Maldives without valid documentation, including those whose work permits have expired or whose employment status is unclear.

Authorities said the initiative is aimed at addressing long-standing documentation issues within the expatriate workforce, improving labour regulation, and strengthening immigration control measures across the country.

Foreign nationals applying for legalisation must have an expired work permit, must be physically present in the Maldives and must have entered the country legally. Applicants must not have previously benefited from a legalisation programme and must not be blacklisted for criminal or security-related reasons. The authorities also stated that applicants must not be reported in the Xpat system as missing by the employer before 31 December 2025.

Applications for legalisation must be submitted through the Xpat system and will only be accepted via employers. Authorities said a user guide explaining the submission process will be published on the Xpat system prior to the programme’s commencement.

For further information, expatriates and employers have been advised to contact the authorities through the 1485 hotline or via email at [email protected].