Maldives Immigration has urged foreigners working in the Maldives to ensure they hold a valid, unexpired e-visa when travelling out of the country and re-entering.
The Maldives introduced its e-visa service on 23 November last year, becoming the first country in the region to fully digitise visa services. All visa-related processes are now conducted online, changing how visas are issued to foreign nationals.
According to Maldives Immigration, foreigners with work permits may enter or exit the country only if they hold a valid e-visa, the validity of which corresponds with the work permit. Newly arriving foreign workers must also obtain an unexpired entry pass from the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology prior to arrival.
Immigration highlighted employer responsibility in managing expatriate matters, noting that employers registered in the Expat Online system must verify the validity of employees’ work visas. A foreigner may depart the Maldives without completing the work visa process only once, within 15 days of entry, provided the work permit remains valid.
Issuing permits and visas for foreigners has long been a core function of Maldives Immigration, with systems evolving over time to improve efficiency and accessibility. In line with the government’s “Maldives 2.0” digital transformation initiative launched by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the e-visa service marks a major milestone in modernising public services.
Previously, visa applications required paper submissions or in-person visits, even after partial digitalisation, causing inconvenience for individuals and companies, particularly those based outside Malé. The new system allows applications to be submitted entirely online, with approved e-visas available for download and verified through a unique QR code.
Foreign nationals holding valid visas can also view their e-visa details via the Maldives Immigration mobile application. The introduction of the e-visa has eliminated the requirement to submit physical passports for visa stamping, enabling applicants to apply for and receive visas anytime and from anywhere.
