Work in Paradise: Resorts in the Maldives Seek Top Talent

The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) has encouraged the Ministry of Tourism to increase the proportion of foreign workers in resorts to 70%, while reducing the number of local employees to 30%.

The Ministry is in talks with the Higher Education Ministry to analyse potential revisions to the local-foreign worker ratio, underscoring the government's commitment to growing Maldivian employment in the tourist sector.

MATI cited a People First HR Consultancy report that revealed an anticipated workforce shortfall in the tourist industry between 2023 and 2027. Despite the demand for 78,000 personnel, the report predicts only 18,000 local jobs by 2027. Currently, the Tourism Ministry allows up to 55% foreign labour at resorts, however instances of exceeding this limit have been observed.

The Maldives tourism industry currently employs 40,000 people, approximately 15,000 of whom are locals.

The Labour Relations Authority recognised subcontracting to foreign workers as a major concern in resort employment, diverting jobs that could be filled by Maldivians.