The government has announced plans to gradually limit the employment of foreign workers in several professions, under amendments introduced to the Foreign Employment Regulations.
The revised rules set out a phased approach to restricting specific job categories over the coming years. Two years after the regulations take effect, foreign nationals will no longer be permitted to work as hairdressers, beauticians, babysitters, personal trainers, electricians, guest relations officers, tour guides, accountants, or imams.
Within three years, restrictions will extend to roles such as divers, nurses, building inspectors, surveyors, site supervisors, and pilots. After four years, foreign workers will also be barred from positions in electrical engineering and as dive instructors.
By the fifth year, quotas will no longer be issued for foreigners to work as Housekeeping Managers, Human Resource Managers, and Front Office Managers. In addition, foreign nationals are not allowed to work as primary or secondary school teachers.
The policy aligns with the government’s broader employment strategy under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, which aims to reserve selected sectors. Particularly arts, tourism, and other skilled fields, for Maldivians where local expertise is already strong.
