Ministry Bars Work Visa Conversion for Business and Special Visa Holders

Employers can no longer apply for work permits through the Expat System for individuals who entered the Maldives under the two visa categories.

Mohamed Hilmy

15 September 2026, 17:26

The Ministry of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology announced on Tuesday that foreigners entering the Maldives on Business Visas or Special Visas will no longer be permitted to convert their immigration status to a Work Visa while remaining in the country.

The new rule takes effect from 15 September 2026 and is intended to strengthen procedures governing the recruitment of foreign workers.

Business Visas are issued to foreign professionals required in the Maldives for short-term, business-related purposes. However, the ministry said it had identified cases in which businesses used such visas to bring individuals into the country before converting them to Work Visas as a shortcut to obtaining work permits.

Under the revised procedure, employers cannot submit work permit applications through the Expat System for individuals who entered the country on either a Business Visa or a Special Visa.

The change means foreign nationals intending to work in the Maldives must follow the appropriate work permit and visa procedures instead of entering under the two restricted visa categories and seeking conversion while in the country.

Ministry Bars Work Visa Conversion for Business and Special Visa Holders

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