How to obtain work permit quota in Maldives

In order to hire foreign workers in the Maldives, a company must have a quota under their name which is essential for securing the necessary work permits, ensuring compliance with local regulations, and facilitating the employment of non-Maldivian nationals. This guide outlines the new features involved in submitting a site registration, providing essential information to streamline the process and meet legal requirements effectively.
The initial and pivotal step in obtaining a quota is the process of site registration. Site registration involves formally documenting and identifying the specific location where the foreign workers will be employed. This step is crucial because it establishes the legal framework and administrative foundation necessary for the issuance of work permits. Site types are primarily categorized into two main groups:

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1. Sites based in a permanent or fixed location: These sites are classified under the site type 'Address' because they have a physical address in a fixed location. Examples include office spaces within buildings, factory buildings, and agricultural farms.

2. Sites that do not have a fixed location: These are work sites without a permanent location and are further divided into several subgroups for user convenience. One significant subgroup within this category includes various vessels such as Safaris, Fishing Vessels, and Speedboats."

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This classification helps streamline the selection of related work types and facilitates the process of specifying where expatriate workers will be engaged under their respective work permits. Another major change to the site registration process is data standards (work type/industry/occupation etc)

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Work Type

Work type, also known as business activity, defines the nature of work conducted by a business or at a specific work site in the Maldives. The classification utilized in the Xpat system is developed by the Ministry of Economic Development and aligns with the 'International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC)', 4th Revision, as published by the United Nations. This classification system ensures clarity and consistency in identifying and categorizing various types of economic activities within the country.Every business Activity must be registered in Business portal.

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Mira Filing
If the selected work type and site necessitate registration with the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA), employers must provide consent to MIRA for sharing data with the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology. This consent allows the ministry access to information provided to MIRA through registration forms and/or tax returns, as well as details regarding payments and obligations to MIRA.

Vessel Details
Depending on the selected site type, you may need to furnish details about the vessel. In such cases, the site name will correspond to the vessel's name (and vice versa if updated). The available vessel options are limited to those registered in the Maldives. Any relevant permits or documents pertaining to the vessel must be updated in the permits and licenses section, as the vessel itself serves as the designated site for work purposes. Vehicle data allows users to manage their vehicles easily and to take into consideration these capital investments of the employer in deciding the eligible quota amount.

Site Attributes
Site attributes encompass various details pertinent to the selected work type, often requiring responses in the form of 'yes' or 'no' answers or numerical values (whole numbers or decimals). Examples include questions such as 'How many floors are under construction?' or 'What is the total area of the kitchen in square feet?' These details are crucial for determining the eligible quota amount and are tailored specifically to each type of work. The collection of these attributes aids in accurately assessing the requirements associated with each work type, ensuring that the quota allocation aligns appropriately with the operational needs at the designated site.

Permits and Licenses
Permits & licenses refer to specific permissions required for each work type, which may include registrations. These permits and licenses are collected separately to clearly identify any necessary authorizations before submitting the application. This approach enables the system to notify users about permit renewal requirements or expiration status. Additionally, it allows users to update individual permits without the need to re-upload or submit previously provided information and documents.

Site Photos
Site photos are essential images of the work site that must be provided. The specific types of photos needed vary depending on the nature of the work being conducted. These photos are categorized into three main groups: interior photos of the site, exterior photos of the site, and photos of the site's name board. Each type of photo serves a distinct purpose in documenting the condition and identity of the site.
It's important to note that site photos have a standard validity period of 2 years from the date when the site's approval is granted. This ensures that the documentation remains current and accurately represents the site over time.

General Documents
General documents are typically required only once for each site and generally do not need renewal or updates thereafter. The specific general documents vary depending on the type of work being conducted. You will have the choice to optionally submit supporting documents if you wish to provide additional clarification or information.

If you're seeking to hire foreign workers and require guidance to obtain the quota, we're here to help you navigate through the process.