Maldives Launches Streamlined Digital Work Visa System for 2025

The Maldives has rolled out a revamped Work Visa system for 2025, designed to simplify and accelerate the process for foreign nationals seeking legal employment in the country.

This upgraded system now operates through the Xpat Portal and the Ant Queue app, offering a fully digital experience with faster approvals, transparent timelines, and easier document handling. The changes aim to improve efficiency and reduce processing times for both employers and foreign workers.

A key feature of the new system is the introduction of a 15-day rule, which mandates that employers submit a Work Visa application within 15 days of a foreign employee’s arrival in the Maldives with a valid Work Permit. This ensures compliance with immigration regulations and speeds up legal processing.

All Work Visa applications must now be filed online via the official Xpat Portal (workpermit.egov.mv), replacing manual submissions entirely. The centralized platform allows users to manage documents, track application status, and correct errors if applications are rejected or incomplete.

Application Process Overview:

1. Log in to the Xpat Portal – Visit workpermit.egov.mv and access the applicant’s profile using a Work Permit or passport number.

2. Submit a New Work Visa Request – Under the ‘Visa’ tab, choose ‘New Work Visa’, align the visa duration with the Work Permit, upload a passport-size photo and the passport bio-data page, and submit.

3. Fix Rejected Applications – If an application is denied, employers can log back in, view the rejection reason, make corrections, and resubmit the necessary documents.

Key Updates for 2025:

• Mandatory 15-Day Visa Filing: Employers must apply for the Work Visa within 15 days of the worker's arrival.

• Fully Digital Submission: Applications must be made exclusively via the Xpat Portal, eliminating paper-based processes.

• Ant Queue App Integration: This app allows real-time appointment bookings and token-based submissions to further speed up approvals.

• Exit Restrictions: Foreign nationals must have a valid Work Visa stamped in their passport before departing the Maldives, ensuring full legal compliance and worker protection.

These 2025 changes aim to modernize the Maldives’ immigration system by reducing paperwork, enforcing clear deadlines, and creating a more streamlined experience for all parties involved.