Maldives (MV)
The Maldives is the world's most geographically dispersed country — a chain of 26 coral atolls and 1,192 islands stretching 900km across the Indian Ocean, of which only about 185 are inhabited.
Social Security in Maldives
Benefits, contributions, and how the system works for expats.
The Maldives has a very limited social security system for foreign workers. The primary mechanism is the mandatory MPAO Pension Scheme, which applies to all employees of registered employers. There is no unemployment benefit, no family allowance, and no public housing benefit accessible to foreign nationals. The Aasandha universal health insurance scheme is strictly for Maldivian citizens. Foreign workers depend on employer contractual terms and private insurance they arrange.
MPAO Pension Account Number
MPAO Pension Number
Your employer automatically enrols you in the MPAO scheme on commencement of employment. You receive an MPAO account number, accessible via the MPAO app or pension.gov.mv. There is no separate national social security number for foreign workers — your passport number and Employment Approval serve as primary identifiers.
- Tracking mandatory pension contributions (7% employee + 7% employer)
- Accessing MPAO app to check pension balance
- Submitting pension withdrawal request on departure
- Employer reference for payroll pension deduction verification
Benefits & Support Payments
MPAO Pension Lump Sum (Departure Withdrawal)
Maldives Pension Scheme — Foreign Worker Withdrawal
Foreign workers can withdraw their FULL MPAO balance — both 7% employee contributions AND 7% employer contributions — on permanent departure from the Maldives. This is unique: most pension schemes only return employee contributions.
All employees of registered employers who have contributed to MPAO and are permanently leaving the Maldives.
Submit withdrawal application via pension.gov.mv or MPAO Malé office. Provide passport, visa cancellation documentation, and foreign bank account details. Processing takes 14–30 days.
Employment Injury Compensation
Workers Compensation (Employment Act)
Compensation for work-related injuries and occupational illness under the Employment Act (Law No. 2/2008). This is a claim against the employer, not a state fund.
All employees covered by the Employment Act, including foreign workers.
Report the workplace injury to your employer in writing. If compensation is refused or disputed, file a claim at the Employment Tribunal in Malé within 6 months of the incident.
Maternity and Paternity Pay
Statutory Leave Pay (Employment Act)
Statutory paid leave: maternity leave minimum 60 days at full pay (30 days before birth + 30 days after). Paternity leave: minimum 3 days at full pay.
All employees covered by the Employment Act, including foreign workers.
Notify employer in advance. Paternity leave: notify before or at time of birth.
Aasandha National Health Insurance (Citizens Only)
Aasandha
Universal health insurance for Maldivian citizens — covers inpatient, outpatient, specialist care, and overseas medical referrals.
Maldivian citizens ONLY. Foreign workers are explicitly excluded regardless of residency or contribution history.
Not applicable for foreign workers.
Contribution Overview
For all employees of registered employers: MPAO pension contributions are mandatory at 7% employee + 7% employer = 14% total. For businesses: BPT (Business Profit Tax) at 15% on net profit above MVR 500,000. GST at 8% (standard) or 16–17% TGST (tourism). No personal income tax for any worker. No national insurance or social contribution beyond MPAO for individuals.
International Social Security Agreements
The Maldives has no totalization (social security) agreements with any other country. This means time worked in the Maldives does not count towards any other country's state pension entitlement. UK workers should consider voluntary NIC contributions (Class 2/3) to preserve UK state pension eligibility. Australian workers should ensure superannuation is maintained. Check with your home country's pension authority.
Foreign workers in the Maldives should not expect the safety nets available in Europe, North America, or Australia. The MPAO pension withdrawal is the most tangible benefit — ensure you claim it on departure. Private health insurance with medical evacuation cover is the most important protection to arrange. Budget USD 100–250/month for international health insurance as a core living cost.
Social Security
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