The ongoing shortage of US Dollars in Maldives has made the Government to think on reducing the number of Expatriates working in Maldives. There are lots of highly paid expatriate working leaving their job as there are some restriction in sending money home and the new contract conditions. There are about 80,000 expatriates working in Maldives from different countries. Recently during a cabinet meeting, this issue was discussed.
The increased number of expatriate workers in the Maldives has contributed to the problem of dollar shortage in the Maldives. It is estimated that every month more than US$ 2 million are being sent out from the Maldives by the expatriate workers. The cabinet members noted that reducing the number of expatriate workers was also an important measure to be taken. Source..
The Government can reduce the number of expatriates working here, but it will be very difficult to employers if the Government brings a ban on recruiting foreigners as to get qualified professionals in tourism industry and Medical profession is very difficult. The Government has already put restriction in sending more than US$1000 for expatriates who are paid in the local currency. This will be a de-motivation for the expatriates coming to Maldives in search of jobs with high salary.
