Employment for foreigners is allowed only under the permission granted from the Ministry of Employment and Labour.Immigration issues a Resident Permit (Working Visa) based on this Work Permit.
A person entering Maldives with the intention to work in Maldives should have a copy of the Work Permit issued from the Ministry Employment and Labour at the time of arrival.
A person who has already entered on a Tourist Visa will not be allowed to change the category of visa to a Resident Permit to work in Maldives.
It is the responsibility of the employee to confirm the employment and receive a copy of the Work Permit prior to arrival in Maldives.
Resident Permits issued are conditional on the validity of the Work Permit, therefore it is the responsibility of the Work Permit holder and the Employer to ensure that the Work Permit is in order. Failing upon which the Resident Permit may be cancelled on re-entry or exiting Maldives.
Work Permit is a written statement issued by the Ministry of Employment and Labour giving the permission to work in Maldives, while Resident Permit is an endorsement made on the passport by Immigration giving permission to stay in Maldives.
