Business
Maldives enacts new expatriate employment regulations

In a major policy intervention, the Maldives government has launched the new and revised Expatriate Employment Regulations. It was published in the government gazette on August 13 as Regulation Number 2020/R-62.
The complete set
The new regulations come packed in a total of 72 pages complete with a bundle of various guidelines on related subjects. They are also integrated into the regulations by making them schedules to the regulations.
The pack consists of regulations on expatriate employment and individual guidelines and rules on complementary areas such as registering with the online x-pat system, grant of quotas, collection of quota fees, grant of approval to work in the country, deposits and refunds, accommodation service providers, arrangements and standards of accommodation, and disciplinary measures for breaches.
Key takeaways
Letter of Appointment must be delivered to the individual before he/she arrives in the Maldives. It will be considered as the temporary employment contract pending arrival in the Maldives and execution of a proper employment contract. A sample template of the letter of appointment is found in the regulations.
An expatriate employee’s employment may only be terminated in accordance with the Employment Act.
All requests for approvals required under the regulations must be processed through the x-pat online system. Two categories of people can register with the system: employment agencies and accommodation service providers who provide and arrange accommodation on commercial basis for employers.
Each employer has to designate a specific representative to deal with the x-pat system on its behalf, and that representative ought to be a Maldivian. Also, an employer can appoint an employment agency to deal with the system on its behalf.
A representative so appointed shall take personal responsibility for all actions completed through the system using his/her credentials.
Employment approval for individual employees would only be granted under a quota. The quota applications are processed through the designated job portal of the national job centre for employers registered on it.
A quota fee is charged as per quota fee guidelines.
Engaging an expatriate for any work in excess of or outside a quota is not allowed.
An employer may not, after bringing an expatriate employee to the Maldives under a specific quota issued to that employer, allow that expatriate to be transferred to or handed over to another employer or cause that employee to work for another employer except as may be allowed under the regulations.
An expatriate may only be brought in for work after securing his/her employment approval. The approval is valid for the duration of the quota. An expat brought in under one employer may not be allowed to transfer to another employer unless the new employer has secured the employment approval for that employee.
Neither the designation nor the work site of an expatriate employee may be changed except after securing necessary approvals.
It is prohibited to engage an expatriate employee to work in an employment or cause him/her to work for a person without securing the relevant employment approval for that employee.
Payment of a deposit is required. The government can use the deposit to repatriate the employee or pay for requirements which remain unfulfilled by the relevant employer.
Expatriates may be employed and maintained in employment in fulfillment of requirements of the Employment Act, regulations made under it, and in a manner not inconsistent with the Act.
The employer is to arrange repatriation of employees on expiry or termination of employment and when directed by a government agency.
Registration of expatriate employees across the country is made obligatory. The register is to be kept and maintained at every local council including city councils. If an employee is ordinarily resident on an inhabited the island on which he/she is resident will register him/her. If he/she is on an uninhabited island, the inhabited island that is closest to his work site will register him/her.
Expatriates are to respect local law. If there is a breach, action would be taken in accordance with that law.
If any of the rights of an expatriate employee is believed to be infringed, he/she may submit the matter to the Labor Relations Authority for resolution.
The ministry has the right to inspect every site at which an expatriate is employed or accommodated to ensure compliance with law.
New regulations come into effect from the date of publication. Old regulations are repealed. Actions taken, obligations and rights created under the old regulations are to remain valid and continuing.
Guidelines attached
The regulations come with 7 individual guidelines found in 7 separate schedules that are made part of the regulations.
The entire pack is broken down as below:
- The Regulations – Expatriate Employment in the Maldives (16 pages, 40 provisions)
- Schedule One – Registration with and use of x-pat system (eight pages, 18 provisions)
- Schedule Two – Grant of quotas for engaging expatriate employees (eight pages, 14 provisions)
- Schedule Three – Collection of quota fees (five pages, 14 provisions)
- Schedule Four – Grant of approval for expatriates to work in the Maldives (13 pages, 22 provisions)
- Schedule Five – Deposits and refunds (five pages, 11 provisions)
- Schedule Six – Arrangement of accommodation by employers (11 pages, 31 provisions)
- Schedule Seven – Disciplinary Measures (five pages, 10 provisions)
English translation
There is no official English translation of these regulations. Commercial law firms are expected to develop their own translation of this new set of regulations and guidelines over the coming weeks.
The Dhivehi version for the regulation may be found here.
Note: This article has been reproduced and adapted to fit our publishing guidelines with permission from its author: Nasheed & Co., a commercial law firm in the Maldives. The original article can be viewed here.
Business
Dubai Chocolate Brownies in Maldives: BBM, Dreidoppel conclude pastry tour

BBM’s exclusive Dreidoppel Demo Tour, led by Master Pâtissier Frankie Robin, concluded successfully on Apr 30th, after a 10-day pastry training series across 15 leading Maldivian resorts that requested the training. Two city bakeries were also trained on the 30th. The initiative brought together global expertise and a strong commitment to raising pastry standards in the local hospitality industry.
This year’s sessions focused on practical pastry solutions using Dreidoppel’s premium ingredient range to create Panettone, Dubai chocolate brownies, Mousses, Crème Brûlée, Fill & Gloss applications, and Caramel Chocolate Snacks.

A standout feature of the tour was the passion shown by young chefs across the islands.
Chef Frankie Robin remarked, “What truly impressed me was how prepared and passionate the young chefs were. Their eagerness to learn, experiment, and take their skills to world-class standards made every session an absolute joy.”

Grounded in real kitchen challenges—speed, flavour, and efficiency—Chef Frankie’s demos showcased how smart ingredient choices can drive both creativity and performance.
A.V.S. Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer at BBM, added, “At BBM, we believe in more than just supplying ingredients—we are committed to the professional growth of the industry. Collaborations like this empower culinary teams with global techniques and greater confidence.”
The tour reflects BBM’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the Maldivian foodservice industry through knowledge-sharing and access to world-class products.
Business
BBM brings Vaseline, Hellmann’s, BRU Coffee to Maldives market

Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) extended their strong and decades old partnership with Unilever International, by adding to their brand portfolio – Vaseline, Hellmann’s, and BRU Coffee for the Maldivian market.
The collaboration was announced at a Business gathering held at the Manhattan Business Hotel, attended by over 300 trade partners from across Maldives.

With this partnership, BBM strengthens its retail offerings across the Maldives archipelago. Vaseline, a trusted name in skincare, and Hellmann’s, known globally for quality food products, will now be available through BBM’s distribution network.
“Vaseline is a name that generations trust for skin care. And Hellmann’s is a global icon in flavours. We’re proud to bring both to shelves across the Maldives and enrich everyday living for our customers,” said Muksith Hussain, Business Head – Retail.
In the hospitality sector, BBM introduces Bru Coffee as an addition to its HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant, Café) offerings. BRU Coffee provides a quality beverage option for hotels, resorts, and restaurants across the Maldives.

“BRU is one of the most loved coffee brands in the region. With this launch, we’re giving our hospitality partners a versatile product that delivers on both taste and reliability that can be consumed as a beverage and for the purpose of dessert preparation, something they can serve with confidence,” said Hisham Girsy, Business Head – HORECA.
The gathering served as a platform for BBM to engage with its valued trade partners and introduce these new brands to the market.
A.V.S Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer at BBM, remarked: “BBM is built on relationships. This event reflects our commitment to not just introduce great products but to support, connect, and elevate our trade partners. We’re in this together, and the journey ahead is promising.”

As BBM continues to grow its portfolio and global partnerships, the focus remains clear delivering excellence, building trust, and shaping the future of trade in the Maldives.
Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) is a leading distribution company in the Maldives, connecting international brands with local businesses across retail and hospitality sectors. With a customer-focused approach and extensive distribution network, BBM continues to be a trusted partner in the Maldivian market.
Business
Redefining corporate retreats at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

MICE travel is undergoing a sea change—quite literally. No longer limited to traditional conference rooms and structured schedules, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) are now about creating moments that inspire, rejuvenate, and bring teams closer together. At Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, the boundaries between business and leisure blur, offering a setting that transforms work into a pleasure.

Just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Malé, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is the ideal destination for teams looking to escape the expected. Here, brainstorming sessions take place on powder-soft beaches, where the rhythmic waves set the pace for new ideas. Mornings might begin with yoga by the ocean, followed by strategy meetings in open-air pavilions. Afternoons invite collaborative workshops under swaying palms or team-building activities that include snorkelling, paddleboarding, or even a friendly beach volleyball match.

Dining at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives elevates every corporate event with fresh, sea-to-table cuisine, designed to fuel both body and mind. From curated group dinners under star-streaked skies to themed private banquets, every meal becomes an experience in itself. For those looking to celebrate milestones or reward top performers, the resort’s scenic locations offer the perfect backdrop for gala evenings or intimate cocktail gatherings.

Accommodation blends comfort with elegance, offering ocean-view suites and beachside retreats that allow participants to rest, recharge, and return with a fresh perspective. Despite the remote charm, connectivity is never an issue—seamless Wi-Fi and business-friendly amenities ensure that productivity doesn’t pause, even in paradise.

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives turns corporate travel into something memorable. Whether it’s a leadership retreat, a high-level conference, or an incentive escape, the resort offers a canvas for events that leave lasting impressions. Here, business goals are pursued in harmony with nature, creativity flows effortlessly, and the line between work and well-being fades.
Let your next MICE experience be more than a meeting—make it a journey worth sharing.
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