Maldives updates labor rules to retain foreign childcare workers
Updated foreign employment rules ease earlier timelines as government balances workforce localization with household care needs
MALE, Maldives (MNTV)— The Maldivian government has revised its Foreign Employment Regulations to allow foreign nationals to continue working as babysitters, adjusting earlier timelines as part of a broader effort to align labor localization goals with social and household realities.
The updated regulations follow the introduction of sector-specific quotas on foreign workers, which set out phased timelines for reserving certain occupations for Maldivian citizens. Under the earlier framework, childcare services — including babysitting for families where both parents are employed — were scheduled to be restricted to local workers within two years.
Under the revised policy, foreign babysitters will remain eligible to work in the Maldives, reflecting the government’s assessment of childcare as an essential service for working households. Authorities indicated that the adjustment was made to ensure continuity of care while longer-term workforce development measures are put in place.
The Foreign Employment Regulations continue to introduce restrictions on expatriate labor across multiple sectors, with implementation periods ranging from two to five years depending on the profession. The phased approach is intended to provide sufficient time for skills development and workforce transition within the local population.
Occupations scheduled to be restricted to Maldivian nationals within two years include hairdressers, beauticians, personal trainers, electricians, English-speaking guest relations officers, tour guides, accountants, and imams. Other sectors will follow longer transition timelines under the revised framework.
Officials said the policy revisions are designed to balance national employment priorities with practical service demands, particularly in areas that directly support economic participation and family life. The government has emphasized that workforce localization remains a long-term objective, but one that will be implemented gradually to avoid service disruptions.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
