The Ministry of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology has urged all employers to open bank accounts for foreign workers as soon as possible.

Under revised regulations introduced on August 25, salaries of foreign employees must be paid into personal bank accounts held with banks registered with or authorised by the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA).

The Ministry said employers must ensure the accounts are opened promptly to comply with the new salary payment requirements.

It added that, in salary-related cases investigated by the Labour Relations Authority, payment of wages will only be recognised if the salary has been deposited into the employee’s personal account at an MMA-registered or authorised bank.