The Maldives Association for Employment Agencies shared their concerns with the Minister of Higher Education, Labour, and Skills Development, Dr. Mariyam Mariya, in today’s meeting.

The President of the Maldives Association for Employment Agencies, Mr. Ibrahim Fauzy, stated that the laws and regulations related to current employment agencies have significant issues. He also mentioned that the latest amendments to the regulations have created major obstacles for the association. For instance, although the regulations already prohibit agencies from charging foreign workers for facilitating their recruitment to the Maldivian market, agencies still have to pay a high deposit to the government. Mr. Fauzy also expressed concerns about the potential negative consequences of allowing foreign workers to enter the Maldives without agency support.

Mr. Fauzy pointed out that the previous government was unable to adhere to the amendments they made to the laws and regulations, continuously making changes without considering the outcomes. He noted that while Regulation 63 was amended in 2020 and again in 2022, none of the amendments were implemented.

Minister Dr. Mariyam Mariya acknowledged Mr. Ibrahim Fauzy’s concerns and stated that she would communicate with the relevant authorities regarding the issues he presented. She emphasized that the Maldivian government always prioritizes the country’s well-being in its decision-making process. The Minister also highlighted that the Maldives Association for Employment Agencies has experienced members and that further decisions related to the sector will be made in consultation with the association’s members.

The Ministry’s State Minister, Dr. Abdulla Nazeer, State Minister Ahmed Shafeeq, and the Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Hikma, also participated in the meeting and discussed major factors affecting the sector.