The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has launched a dedicated system to facilitate the filing of complaints by expatriate workers in the Maldives.
The Migrant Worker Resources Centre was inaugurated by the Minister of Health, Abdullah Nazim Ibrahim and International Organisation for Migration (IOM)’s Regional Director Iyori Kato, at a ceremony held Sunday. In addition to the centre, an online complaints portal was also launched at the event. The portal, titled "Migrant Connect", was also launched by the Health Minister.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of State for Homeland Security and Technology, Dr Abdulla Fairoosh said every foreign worker in the Maldives should have legal protection and their rights should be ensured. Despite this, he noted that many foreign workers in the Maldives continue to face exploitation, long and difficult work hours, unsafe environments, and limited access to basic information.
The State Minister noted that the new portal and the center will play an essential role in addressing the difficulties faced by foreigners seeking to get their rights.
"I would say that even if they are currently residing in the Maldives without proper documentation, the center will assist them in regularizing their status. The portal is also designed to provide various services and general information to foreigners,” Fairoosh said.
According to the Ministry of Higher Education, Labor and Skills Development, 43 percent of the workforce in the Maldives are foreigners, and hence the government has been taking measures to support them in every way possible. This includes addressing the substandard living conditions for several foreigners, particularly in the construction sector.
Efforts are also underway to develop proper accommodation facilities for migrant workers in the Male’ area, as well as to document them all.
Although evidence shows that migrant workers contribute significantly to the economic development of any given country in the ASEAN region, migrant workers continue to suffer exploitation and abuse throughout the migration cycle. Women and men migrant workers often have limited information about safe migration and rights at work and where to access support. In countries of destination, migrants face language barriers and discrimination when attempting to access services to which they are entitled.
The special Centre and portal were launched to increase positive migration experiences that protect the human and labor rights of migrant workers in the Maldives, and ensure that workers know their rights.
