Maldives offers fresh scope to regularize undocumented Bangladeshi workers

Dhaka: Undocumented Bangladeshi workers in the Maldives may still have an opportunity to regularize their status if they are employed by companies but have incomplete immigration or employment records, according to the Maldivian government.

Maldivian Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan informed Bangladesh High Commissioner Dr. Md. Nazmul Islam about the opportunity during a meeting, which discussed the welfare and protection of Bangladeshi expatriates.

Although the formal regularization period has technically ended, the minister said workers currently employed by companies could still complete their documentation through their employers, read a press release.

In such cases, employers can approach the relevant immigration authorities, Labour Relations Authority, or respective city councils to resolve incomplete records and facilitate regularization.

The Bangladesh high commissioner welcomed the clarification and stressed the importance of informing undocumented Bangladeshi workers and their employers about the available opportunity so that eligible workers can take the necessary steps to secure their legal status.

The minister also indicated that the Maldivian government would share island-wise information on undocumented expatriates with the Bangladesh High Commission, helping it identify affected workers and provide necessary assistance.

Both sides agreed to establish a coordination mechanism between the high commission and the ministry to address issues concerning Bangladeshi expatriates. They also discussed organizing joint awareness programs on regularization procedures, biometric registration, and workers' rights.

During the meeting, the minister said approximately 98% of expatriate workers in the Maldives had completed biometric registration. The high commissioner welcomed the progress, noting that biometric verification would help strengthen workers' legal status and facilitate access to government services.

The meeting also covered measures to hold employers accountable for workers who go missing or are not provided with the employment arrangements promised during recruitment.

Other issues included salary payments, healthcare access, banking and remittance facilities, protection of women workers, and the repatriation of detained Bangladeshi nationals.

Maldivian Minister Ali Ihusaan informed High Commissioner Dr. Md. Nazmul Islam about the opportunity during a meeting recently