Gov’t Collects Over MVR 1 Billion in Unpaid Migrant Worker Fees

The government has recovered over MVR 1 billion in unpaid fees related to migrant workers since June, the Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan, revealed today.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office, Minister Ihusaan stated that out of a total of MVR 1.7 billion in unpaid fees—comprising migrant worker visa fees, work permit fees, quota fees, and fines—MVR 1 billion has been collected so far. The remaining balance stands at MVR 703.8 million.

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Minister Ihusaan explained that employers who have not yet settled these fees have been blocked from accessing the Immigration Department’s Xpat system, which manages migrant worker permits. He noted that access would only be reinstated once all outstanding fees are paid.

In July, the government made public a list of 1,026 companies owing over MVR 100,000 in fees and fines, some of which are linked to senior government officials.

During the press conference, Ihusaan provided updates on Operation Kurangi, a multi-agency effort aimed at tackling undocumented migrant workers. He disclosed that the government had begun collecting biometric data from migrant workers on over 82 islands across the Maldives as part of this initiative.