The Government Technology has extended the deadline for the ongoing mass legalisation programme targeting undocumented expatriate workers in the Maldives by one month, with applications now open until May 2.

The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology said the extension was granted following requests from employers, as the programme, initially set to conclude this week, aims to regularise the status of foreign nationals living or working in the country without valid documentation.

Authorities stated that the extension represents the final opportunity for eligible expatriates to enter the regulatory framework, warning that no further extensions will be provided beyond the revised deadline.

The programme applies to expatriates currently in the Maldives who meet specific eligibility criteria, including having an expired work permit, not being listed under any blacklist, and having entered the country legally, with applications required to be submitted through employers via the Xpat system.

The initiative is being implemented under Operation Kurangi to address long-standing documentation issues, strengthen labour regulation and enhance immigration control, alongside ongoing enforcement efforts by relevant authorities to identify undocumented workers and curb illegal employment activities across the country.