Minister Reveals Work Permit Data Amidst Bangladeshi Labour Ban Reversal

Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan, disclosed that only 36% of the 139,000 work permits issued for employment in the Maldives have been paid for. This revelation comes amid criticism following the recent reversal of the four-year ban on Bangladeshi labourers, implemented just last Sunday.
Former Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail criticized the decision, claiming it violates the law after reaching the maximum quota of 100,000 foreigners from a single country. However, Minister Ihusaan countered, stating that the current number of Bangladeshi laborers adheres to the specified regulation.
In an emergency press conference, Ihusaan clarified the shift in monitoring methods, highlighting the use of the border control system over the expat system. Out of the issued work permits, only 36% have been paid in the last year, raising concerns about undocumented migrants and potential national security risks.
To enhance accuracy, Ihusaan announced plans for direct fingerprinting to monitor expatriates, with completion expected within the next year. While acknowledging challenges, he assured the public of the information's availability on the Homeland Security website, emphasizing transparency and national security as top priorities.