Several jobs to be reserved for locals starting 2027, including resort music

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu says that certain fields of work in the Maldives, including resort music, will be reserved for Maldivians starting the year 2027.

In a press briefing at the President’s Office on Saturday morning, President Muizzu noted that his administration had announced a three-year plan to have several jobs reserved for Maldivians.

He said that the administration will be making the necessary legislative changes and providing the necessary education and training to implement this plan.

“This means that from last year 2024, to ’25 to ’26… By 2027, foreigners cannot be employed in jobs on this list. Simple as that,” he said.

“So, what do we need to do? We need to train people. Employers need to focus on this. We are trying to find jobs for locals and we are trying to prohibit or discourage employment of foreigners in these fields of work.”

The fields of work set to be reserved for locals are:

• Boatbuilding
• Master carpenter
• Hair dressers and beauticians
• Resort musicians and bands
• Customer service
• Housekeeping manager
• Front office manager
• Human resources manager
• Diving instructor
• Tour guides

“Therefore, both students and those who are newly joining the workforce must consider these great opportunities like boatbuilding, master carpentry, hair dressing… All these fields on this list have great future prospects,” he said.

Some of the fields of work on this list, such as resort music and hair dressing and beauty, employ a high number of foreigners. Concerns have been repeatedly raised over lack of employment opportunities for locals in these fields.

During former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s administration, the Maldives decided to reserve certain jobs such a photography and shop cashiers to locals.