Cluster guide · Maldives employers
Maldives Work Permit Process for Employers — From Job Order to Approval
Employer-side work permit workflow on Xpat: quota, occupation codes, medical clearance, insurance, and Department of Immigration approval timelines.
11 min read · Updated 2026-05-22
Overview: job order to permit card
The work permit process starts with an approved job order on Xpat, not with a worker already in the country. The employer (or agency) files the permit application after medical and insurance clear.
Department of Immigration and Emigration issues the permit; Xpat is the filing interface.
Stage 1 — Job order and quota
Define occupation (ISCO-aligned), number of quota slots, salary within band, work site island, and acceptable nationalities. Quota consumed when permits approve — do not over-publish vacancies beyond quota.
Stage 2 — Candidate file
Passport scan, photo, police clearance, contract, medical certificate from approved clinic, insurance policy, and education/trade certificates if skilled category.
ATID compliance desk tracks each item; missing police clearance is the most common delay for BD and NP corridors.
Stage 3 — Submission and approval
Agency submits on Xpat after human review. Immigration may query occupation mismatch or salary undercutting. On approval, permit details flow to manpower card printing and arrival scheduling.
Employer responsibilities after approval
Meet the worker at Velana or arrange seaplane/domestic transfer per contract. Register on workforce roster with permit expiry date. Calendar renewal 30–45 days before expiry — employer pays renewal pass-through.
Frequently asked questions
- Can we hire before permit approval?
- No — arrival for employment requires an approved permit unless immigration grants a specific exception.
- Who uploads medical?
- Clinic sends to the system or agency uploads PDF — confirm corridor clinic is approved for Maldives deployment.