Business and special visa holders can no longer switch to work visas in Maldives

Foreign nationals entering the Maldives on business or special visas will no longer be permitted to convert their status to a work visa while remaining in the country, under changes introduced by the government.

The Home Ministry said in an announcement on Monday that the rules were revised after authorities identified businesses using business visas to bring foreign nationals into the Maldives before subsequently converting them to work visas.

Business visas are intended for foreign professionals entering the Maldives for short periods in connection with business activities.

According to the ministry, some businesses have been using the visa category to bring foreign nationals into the country as a way of speeding up the work permit process.

Authorities have also identified cases where those individuals were subsequently converted to work visas, the ministry said.

To address the practice, the ministry has amended the procedure with effect from Tuesday.

Under the revised rules, foreign nationals entering the Maldives on business or special visas will not be able to change to a work visa while they remain in the country.

The ministry also informed employers that applications for work permits through the Xpat system cannot be submitted for foreign nationals who have already entered the Maldives under either of these visa categories.

The ministry said further information on the changes can be obtained by calling its 1485 hotline.