Beauty is only skin deep so is the life of expatriates in Maldives. Are you really trying for a job in Maldives? In my opinion, you better not try for a job since Maldives is not a safe destination for expatriate workers right now. I am back to India after 2 weeks of my holidays in Maldives and i could smell that the glamour of the place is almost lost., the life in Male’ is not smooth anymore for expatriates.
Recruiting agencies are still recruiting personnel for different jobs by accepting a huge amount as the processing fee, but mostly this appointment is lasting normally for an year. If not, you will be forced to resign and come back. If you are lucky, you will get a good employer.
Why NOT?
- Recession hit Maldives the worst.
- Shortage of dollar, you wont be able to send your earning home unless you are paid in dollars. The present dollar rate is Rf. 12.85 but you will never get it for the same price. Now it is available for Rf. 14.50 outside. Banks ask for Dollars to send money home and lots of restrictions implemented.
- Accommodation will be a big problem. At the time of interview or in your appointment letter, it will be mentioned that you will provided with accommodation but for teachers it is provided on sharing basis only for 3 months. After that they are forced find an accommodation. The rent is beyond your imagination and will surely burn your pocket. You will be forced to share the room as well as the toilet with someone else (probably with 3 or 4 ) unless you are ready to spend lavishly on rent.
- High cost of living. The prices of the food stuffs are gone up beyond imagination now. You have to spend a good share of your income if you want to get a decent meal. Now the prices are either high or empty shelves due to non-availability of items
- Discrimination towards Indians is very visible and you have to face a lot of discrimination from the management if it is headed by the locals.
- Reported robbery and burglary on the expatriates. I am one of the victims of burglary.
- Better future prospects will be difficult due to their new employment rules. If you want to terminate your contract with your employer, now you have to give 9 months notice as well as the Visa fees (MOH Contract).
- Sometimes you get delayed for your payment. Many labourers complain that they are not paid salary for months
- The Government is in the process of reducing the number of expatriate workers to encourage employment for locals by making the recruitment procedure more complicated.
I was working as a teacher for 10 years (1998 – 2008) and i had a tough time working there until i got established. Even though i have been fairly treated well by both the management and the students, but many times i felt it was time to quit.
Don’t you think that it is high to give a second thought SHOULD I WORK IN MALDIVES?
