MVR 1.6 Billion Collected in Outstanding Expat Fees

The government has recovered MVR 1.6 billion in unpaid expatriate fees, according to the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology. 

The recovery follows a series of measures introduced since October last year to address longstanding issues related to unpaid fees by expatriates.

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

Speaking during a programme on state media PSM, Homeland Ministry State Minister Abdul Majeed Ibrahim stated when the current administration assumed office, the state was owed MVR 1.7 billion in various expatriate-related fees. At the time, only 22.7 percent of fees were being paid regularly. In response, the government implemented several initiatives to improve compliance, including offering a one-year grace period for individuals with large outstanding amounts to arrange repayment plans.

As a result of these efforts, there has been a marked improvement in payment compliance. To date, 55 percent of expatriates have paid their fees, representing a significant increase compared to previous years.

While MVR 1.6 billion has been recovered, an outstanding balance of MVR 900 million remains. The government has set a deadline of October this year for full payment. After this period, accounts that remain unpaid will be suspended. In the past year, the government has also suspended services for individuals who owe money to the state, as part of its enforcement strategy.

In addition to recovering unpaid fees, the government has committed to regulating the status of undocumented immigrants within a three-year timeframe. Over the past year, 38,000 individuals have been legalised. However, a considerable number of expatriates continue to remain undocumented.

Current data from the government’s portal indicates that 11,000 expatriates are listed as having fled from their employers. The government has pledged to address the situation and regulate these individuals within the next year.