Jumhooree Party (JP) leader MP Qasim Ibrahim has spoken out against increasing visa fee and work permit fees for migrant workers.

Criticising the proposed amendment, Qasim said that the Government cannot be handed a 'cheque book' to increase the fees every 3 years.

At present, work permit fees are MVR 350 a month and MVR 2,000 for quota. With the proposed change, the fee can be modified for a period of 1.5 years every 3 years. If the proposed amendment is passed, work permit fees can be increased to MVR 455 and quota fee to MVR 2,600.

Opposing the amendment, Qasim said that this would create further challenges for businesses, cause hikes in prices, and may even lead to the public ousting the current president.

Qasim added that he has no doubt that the government will increase the fees if the amendment is passed. However, PNC member and Hithadhoo Medhu MP Ahmed Azaan said that the government proposed the changes after thorough research.

Qasim, who previously opposed the minimum wage hike, walked out of the committee meeting after heated debates. MNP's leader MP Nazim supported Qasim's decision.