With the ongoing reported stint in providing work permits to Indian expatriates to the Maldives, concerns have now arisen about the Department of Immigration and Emigration selectively providing authorization.

A local business owner spoke to RaajjeMV under the condition of anonymity and said that he and his peers have struggled to acquire work permits for their Indian employees since February. He said his applications for employee visas have been labelled ‘pending approval’ even after six months.

This business owner said that an Indian national whose permit had been requested for but denied several times earlier this year was recently granted one within three days after it was filed by another individual, claiming such selectivity and favouritism is in ‘clear violation of immigration and constitutional laws’.

Other business owners have also said that their requests are not only continuously denied, but letters seeking clarification as to why work permits for expatriates, particularly for those of Indian nationality, are barred have been left without response.

Moreover, businesses have also been given varying answers to their questions. While some have reported being told that work permits requests are stalled due to ongoing auditing work, others are told that delays in granting permits are due to screening processes.

The Maldivian Department of Immigration and Emigration stalling work permits for Indian nationals have been covered heavily by the Indian media, which reported that this issue has hit over 2,000 Indians working in the Maldives.

Indians and expatriates make up for a chunk of the numbers in a multitude of local industry, most notably construction, food and beverages, and health care. The ‘Times of India’ reported that the Indian Ministry of External Affairs is looking into the matter.

However, responding to news reports, Maldives Immigration Controller Mohamed Anwar has denied withholding business visas for Indian nationals. He did not confirm whether there have been changes to the visa policy