Maldives Immigration has decided to grant work visas for foreigners who entered the Maldives on business or special visas and have been unable to return home due to closed borders amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Immigration stated several individuals under business and special visas have been unable to return to their home countries as some borders are still closed. Immigration said it has decided to grant work visas for such individuals under Employment Approval.
Immigration stated only individuals who entered the Maldives before December 1, 2019 would be granted a work visa under the special circumstances. The authority said all special visas will hereafter be issued as work visas, and that those who are currently residing in the Maldives under special visas can also get their visas changed to work visas.
Maldives Immigration had earlier introduced the IM34 Emergency Departure Form to facilitate the departure of expatriates who are unable to renew their visas due to the COVID-19 situation. As such, Immigration stated expatriates who entered the Maldives on a work visa or other visa and are unable to renew it are required to fill the Application for Emergency Departure and submit it to the Departure Counter of Maldives Immigration on or before December 31. Such individuals are also required to fill the Travellers’ Health Declaration form online before departure.