Maldives Immigration has advised all expatriates whose visas will expire before the government reopens to submit visa renewal applications within 10 working days after government operations resume.
Maldives Immigration announced some changes have been made to the visa application process during the period government is closed as a precautionary measure to control any possible outbreak of COVID-19. The announcement states expatriates who entered Maldives after March 1 for employment and have not applied for a visa yet, are instructed to submit their request for the visa within 10 working days after the government operations resume. Additionally, the expatriates whose existing work visas are set to expire during the shutdown have also been requested to renew or extend their visas within 10 working days after the government resumes work.
The statement stated foreigners who wish to depart from Maldives whilst their visas have expired, or expires during the holidays can do so provided that they take with them documents for the application for emergency departure provided by the employer and sponsor. The announcement by Maldives Immigration further stated expatriates who comply with the guidelines of Immigration will not be charged for overstaying in Maldives.
The government has decided to extend the shutdown for an additional week as a preventive measure in efforts to contain COVID-19.