Maldives to reimburse expat deposits within a week
Most people believe that the government is using the public money and has even accused the governments of it in the past.
By
Fathmath Ahmed Shareef
Minister for Homeland Security Ali Ihsan said on Monday evening that a system has been put in place to reimburse the deposit of expatriate workers within a week of repatriation.
Speaking on the 'Ahaa' forum designed for the public to question ministers, Ihsan said this in answer to a question regarding the issue of non-payment of deposit money to migrant workers.
The member of public who asked the question said that deposits of a large number of expatriates who have left the Maldives have not been reimbursed. He asked when the problem would be solved.
In response to the question, Ihsan agreed that there were delays. With the change of government, the system was analysed for ways it could be expedited and changes have been made to the system, he said.
"Now, through the change in the system, once we are sure that the person has left, we are looking to deposit their money into the e-wallet within a week. The e-wallet will be created for every account”.
Ihsan added:
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Those who prefer cash can apply for it
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A timeline is currently being worked out for it
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A large amount of money remains to be refunded
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Most of these expatriates are those that are undocumented and in hiding in Maldives
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The state withholds the deposit money to help the expatriate in case of distress or for the ticket in case of deportation
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Criminals are now deported within 48 hours
Foreigners have been complaining about not receiving their deposit money for a long time. However, every previous government has been reluctant or unable to pay the money.
