Changing employers in the Maldives: how work permit transfers work

In many countries, changing jobs is simple: you resign, serve your notice and start somewhere new. For foreign workers in the Maldives it is more complicated, because your work permit is tied to a specific employer, job and work site. This guide explains how employer changes work under the expatriate employment regulations, what changed with the amendments published in December 2025, and how to move jobs without losing your legal status.

The rules in this area have been revised several times, most recently with amendments reported in December 2025. Details such as fees, timelines and form names are not always published in one place, so confirm the current procedure through the Xpat system or the responsible ministry before acting.

The core rule

Under the Regulation on Employment of Expatriate Workers, an expatriate brought in under one employer may not transfer to another employer unless the new employer has secured employment approval for that worker. It is also prohibited to employ an expatriate, or cause them to work for someone else, without the relevant approval.

In practical terms:

• you can't simply start working for a new company;
• the new employer must apply and receive approval first; and
• working without approval puts both you and the employer in breach of the rules.

Changes within the same employer

The same principle applies to changes with your current employer. Your job title (designation) and your work site cannot be changed except after obtaining the necessary approvals. If your employer wants to move you to a different resort, island or role, they should update your approval first.

The December 2025 amendments

Reports on the amended expatriate employment regulations, published in December 2025, describe two notable routes:

• Standard change: an employer change can be made in certain circumstances, described as after one month passes without the work permit fee being paid, together with a no-objection letter from the employer.
• Special circumstances: where an employer reports a worker as missing, the worker may be given the option of changing employers, but only if it is shown that the employer has been negligent towards the worker.

These descriptions come from press reports summarising the amendments. Because the exact conditions matter, check the official text or ask the ministry how they apply to your case.

How a typical transfer works

1. Find a new employer willing to hire you and with a quota for your job category.
2. Talk to your current employer. Ask whether they will provide a no-objection letter and agree a leaving date. Check your contract for notice periods.
3. The new employer applies through the Xpat system for employment approval for you. Employers must designate a representative to deal with the system, often a Maldivian staff member or an agency.
4. Medical and documents: you may need an up-to-date work permit medical and copies of your passport and certificates.
5. Old permit cancelled, new permit issued: the previous employer's permit is cancelled or reissued, and the new permit is issued.
6. Deposit transferred: the regulations describe a deposit linked to each permit, which can be transferred from the previous permit when a new one is issued.
7. Start work only after the new approval is in place.

The deposit

The regulations require a deposit linked to each expatriate worker's permit. The government can use it, for example, to repatriate the worker or to cover obligations the employer has failed to meet. When a new permit is issued after cancellation or reissue, the deposit is transferred from the previous permit. Ask both employers how the deposit will be handled in your transfer.

Leaving on good terms

• Give proper notice as your contract and the Employment Act require.
• Get everything in writing: the no-objection letter, your resignation and your final pay calculation.
• Collect what you're owed: final salary, unused annual leave and any other entitlements.
• Return employer property such as uniforms, keys and equipment.
• Keep copies of your permit, contract and payslips.

If your employer won't cooperate

Sometimes employers refuse to release workers, stop paying wages or fail to renew permits. Options include:

• Labour Relations Authority (LRA): handles complaints about unpaid wages, working conditions and contract breaches.
• Employment Tribunal: decides employment disputes.
• The ministry responsible for expatriate employment: for questions about permits and the special-circumstances route.
• Your embassy or high commission: can advise and support nationals in difficulty.

Keep records of what has happened: messages, payslips, unpaid salary amounts and dates.

Risks to avoid

• Working for the new employer before approval: this is prohibited and can lead to fines or deportation.
• Leaving without a plan: once your permit is cancelled, you need new approval or to leave the country within the time allowed.
• Paying "release fees" to agents: be wary of anyone demanding payment to arrange a transfer, and ask for receipts and documents for any legitimate costs.
• Letting your medical or passport lapse during the change.

Changing jobs and your family

If your family is in the Maldives on dependent visas linked to your permit, a job change affects them too. Make sure the new employer and your new permit category allow dependants, and plan the timing so your family's visas don't lapse. See our dependent visa guide.

Bank accounts and housing

Banks check work permit validity for expatriate accounts, so update your bank with your new permit details once issued. If your housing is provided by your current employer, arrange new accommodation before you leave. See our guides to banking and renting.

An example

Ravi works as a chef at a resort and is offered a better-paid job at a hotel in Hulhumalé. He speaks to his resort manager, who agrees to provide a no-objection letter once a replacement is found, and they agree a leaving date six weeks away. The hotel confirms it has quota for a chef and applies for employment approval on the Xpat system. Ravi updates his medical, which is due anyway. When the approval comes through and the resort's permit is cancelled, the new permit is issued and Ravi starts at the hotel. He collects his final salary and leave pay from the resort, updates his bank with the new permit, and moves into a shared flat in Hulhumalé.

A note on responsibility

Responsibility for the Xpat system and expatriate employment has moved between government ministries over the years. If you are unsure which office handles your question, start with the Xpat system's published contact details or the government helpline listed there.

Checklist for changing employers

1. Confirm the new employer has a quota for your role.
2. Ask your current employer for a no-objection letter and agree a leaving date.
3. Let the new employer apply for employment approval on Xpat.
4. Complete any medical and document requirements.
5. Confirm the old permit is cancelled and the new permit issued.
6. Settle final pay and leave with your old employer.
7. Update your bank, housing and family visas.
8. Start the new job only once approval is in place.