MALE, 26 April, 2021 (TON): Virtual work permit cards for expatriates in the Maldives are to be issued, the Economic Ministry of the Maldives announced on Monday.

These cards would replace the physical cards previously issued after the implementation of the regulation regarding expatriate workers in the Maldives. 

On Monday, the Ministry stated that it was working on starting to issue these virtual cards which will bring a lot of conveniences and also cut costs.

Arrangements have been made so that expatriates can receive these cards and use them in addition to the physical cards, it added.

Those who request a physical card after the application process for the work permit can do so by emailing the Ministry at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

They will then receive their physical card within three days while the virtual card will be available through the Xpat online system within 48 hours of the completion of the application procedure. 

However, the validity of the card and the validity period can be easily checked by scanning the QR code on both cards.