Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan has announced plans to introduce a “whitelist” system for companies that comply with regulations governing expatriate workers in the Maldives.
Speaking on state media about the ongoing issue of undocumented foreign workers, the minister said the proposed system would recognise businesses that properly follow employment regulations and fulfil required financial obligations.
According to Minister Ihusaan, companies included in the whitelist would need to meet several standards, including proper registration, regular payment of fees to the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA), and the absence of human trafficking-related cases linked to their operations.
He explained that the initiative is aimed at creating a framework that is both publicly accepted and aligned with international standards before the end of the current administration.
The minister said the programme forms part of the government’s broader “Maldives 2.0” digital transformation strategy, which seeks to modernise governance systems and improve coordination between state institutions.
He added that the Maldives Data Exchange system is expected to play a key role in addressing long-term administrative and regulatory challenges related to expatriate labour management.
Minister Ihusaan also provided an update on the third phase of Operation Kurangi, the nationwide initiative targeting undocumented expatriates living in the Maldives.
According to the minister, authorities have so far detained 254 foreign nationals found to be residing in the country in violation of regulations.
The current phase of the operation is focused specifically on locating expatriates who have failed to submit biometric information required under government regulations.
Officials say the proposed whitelist system is intended to encourage greater compliance among businesses while strengthening transparency and accountability in the management of expatriate workers.
The government has repeatedly stated that reforming the expatriate labour system remains a priority, citing concerns related to undocumented migration, labour exploitation and national security.
