The Maldives has rolled out a reformed Work Visa system for 2025, aiming to make it significantly easier and faster for foreigners to obtain legal employment in the country. This upgraded framework, which is fully digital, represents a major shift in the island nation’s immigration policy and labor management, catering to the growing demand for foreign professionals and laborers.

With the introduction of the new system, the Maldivian government has replaced manual processes with an online platform, introduced strict compliance timelines, and implemented real-time appointment scheduling, making the work visa process more efficient and transparent for both employers and international workers.

Xpat Portal and Ant Queue App Lead Digital Transformation

At the heart of this new system lies the Xpat Portal (workpermit.egov.mv), a centralized digital hub designed to streamline the application, approval, and tracking of Work Visas. This portal enables employers to submit all required documents online, removing the need for physical paperwork and face-to-face submissions.

Alongside the portal, the Ant Queue app plays a crucial role in expediting visa processing. This mobile application allows employers and workers to book real-time appointments and manage token-based submissions digitally. By eliminating manual queues and long waits, the Ant Queue app reduces bottlenecks and ensures better efficiency at immigration offices.

Key Policy Update: 15-Day Mandatory Visa Filing Rule

One of the most significant changes in the updated system is the introduction of a 15-day compliance rule. Under this regulation, employers must file for a foreign employee’s Work Visa within 15 days of their arrival in the Maldives on a valid Work Permit. This policy aims to eliminate processing delays, discourage unauthorized employment, and ensure that foreign nationals transition quickly from entry to full legal work status.

Failure to meet this timeline may result in penalties or complications in legal processing, making timely compliance a top priority for employers seeking to hire foreign labor.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply Under the 2025 System

The revised visa application process has been broken down into simple steps, all of which are completed online through the Xpat Portal:

1. Log In to the Xpat Portal

   • Go to workpermit.egov.mv.

   • Search for the worker’s profile using their Work Permit number or passport number.

2. Submit a New Work Visa Application

   • Navigate to the ‘Visa’ section and select ‘New Work Visa.’

   • Match the visa duration to the period listed in the approved Work Permit.

   • Upload a recent passport-sized photo and the passport’s bio-data page.

   • Submit the completed application for review.

3. Addressing Incomplete or Rejected Applications

   • If the application is flagged as incomplete or is rejected, the employer can log back into the portal, review the feedback, make necessary corrections, re-upload any documents, and resubmit.

No Exit Without a Valid Work Visa

In addition to ensuring timely entry into the workforce, the new system enforces strict exit rules. Under the 2025 regulations, foreign nationals are prohibited from leaving the Maldives without a valid Work Visa stamped in their passport. This policy not only strengthens border security and legal compliance but also enhances protection for foreign workers by guaranteeing their status is fully documented before departure.

New System Promises Speed, Clarity, and Legal Assurance

The Maldivian government has positioned the 2025 Work Visa reform as a forward-looking initiative to modernize its labor migration system. By digitizing every aspect of the application and compliance process, the system:

• Reduces human error and administrative delays.

• Ensures traceable documentation and clear communication.

• Minimizes corruption by eliminating in-person handling of paperwork.

• Enhances the experience for both employers and employees.

These updates are especially significant for a country like the Maldives, where tourism, construction, and services sectors heavily depend on foreign labor to meet staffing needs.

Why the Reform Matters

In recent years, the Maldives has seen an increase in demand for foreign workers across various industries, including tourism, hospitality, healthcare, construction, and information technology. At the same time, there have been growing concerns about undocumented employment, labor rights abuses, and inefficient visa handling. The updated Work Visa framework seeks to address these challenges head-on by creating a transparent, automated, and enforceable system.

Moreover, as the global economy shifts and competition for skilled and semi-skilled labor increases, this reform gives the Maldives a competitive edge in attracting global talent. Countries that offer smoother, quicker, and more reliable immigration processes are more likely to appeal to foreign workers seeking employment stability and legal protection.

Looking Ahead: Future Enhancements and Integration

Officials have hinted that additional features will soon be introduced to further enhance the Xpat Portal’s capabilities. These may include:

• Multilingual support to make the platform more accessible to non-English speakers.

• Automated reminders and notifications to help employers stay on top of deadlines.

• Integration with other government databases, including taxation and health insurance, to offer a holistic employment management ecosystem.

In the long run, the Maldives hopes to leverage this digital infrastructure to monitor labor market trends, improve policy-making, and foster a more inclusive, legally protected labor environment for foreign nationals.

Conclusion: A Welcome Shift for Foreign Workers and Employers Alike

The 2025 update to the Maldives Work Visa system marks a major leap toward a digital, accountable, and worker-friendly immigration environment. For employers, it simplifies recruitment and compliance. For foreign workers, it ensures faster onboarding, legal security, and a smoother transition into their roles.

By enforcing clear timelines, eliminating paperwork, and embracing full digitization, the Maldives has set a regional benchmark in labor policy reform—one that reflects its commitment to economic growth, workforce protection, and modernization.