In 2023, Maldives experienced a significant boost in people coming to work, with 62,071 migrants arriving, marking a notable increase. Looking back at the past five years, the trend in employment arrivals showed some interesting shifts.
In 2019, 39,998 individuals came to Maldives for work. The following year, 2020, saw a sharp decline with only 9,858 arrivals. But things turned around in 2021, with a rise to 25,342 arrivals. In 2022, the upward trend continued, reaching 54,076 individuals entering the country for employment. The latest data for 2023 indicates the highest number in this five-year period, with 62,071 arrivals, pointing to a substantial surge in people seeking work opportunities in Maldives.
Breaking down the employment arrivals in 2023, various nations contributed to the influx. India topped the list with 39,486 individuals seeking employment in Maldives. Sri Lanka followed with 9,628 arrivals, reinforcing its role as a significant source of foreign labor. Nepal also made a notable appearance in the top 10, with 5,293 arrivals, showcasing a growing presence in the Maldivian workforce.
Indonesia and the Philippines also made noteworthy contributions, with 1,360 and 1,035 arrivals respectively, adding to the diverse mix of workers in Maldives. China, Thailand, Egypt, Pakistan, and Myanmar completed the list, each contributing varying numbers of arrivals.
Looking at the cumulative data over the past five years, India consistently held the top spot, contributing a substantial 104,451 individuals to the Maldivian workforce. Sri Lanka followed closely with 28,909 arrivals, establishing itself as a consistent and significant source of foreign labor. Bangladesh and Nepal played vital roles as well, with 12,648 and 12,068 arrivals respectively, reflecting their ongoing contributions to the employment market in Maldives.
Indonesia, China, and the Philippines further diversified the workforce, with 6,231, 5,904, and 3,853 arrivals respectively. Thailand, Egypt, and Italy also made notable contributions, with 2,985, 1,195, and 977 arrivals, adding to the international character of Maldives’ workforce.
These statistics offer a glimpse into the dynamic nature of employment migration in Maldives, with India consistently leading the way, and Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal playing significant roles. The increase in employment arrivals in 2023 suggests a growing trend, possibly influenced by economic factors and opportunities in the Maldives job market.
