FAQs on Maldives

1. Where is it located?
A. It lies southwest of Sri Lanka and India, about 1,000 kilometres (620 mi) from the Asian
continent. It is about maximum 100 minutes in direct flight from any southern airport where
direct flight is available.
2. Which Language they speak?
A. They speak their local language Dhivehi apart from English.
3. Is it a safe country?
A. It is a safe country with no terror history. Indian Government supports Maldives.
4. How many Indians are working in India?
A. 15 to 20 % of total population are Indians. There are people from Srilanka and Bangladesh
are also present.
5. Which sport they play?
A. Football is their national sport.
6. What is the source of GDP at Maldives?
A. Tourism is the main source for GDP and it is world’s top tourist destinations and there are more
than 100 resorts that are available.
7. What is the currency they use and how much it values against USD and INR?
A. Their local currency is Rufiyaa. 15.40 Units of Rf is equal to one USD. Rs 4.62 of INR equal to one
Rufiyaa.
8. What culture they follow?
A. It is a Sunni Muslim country. They follow Islam religion very strictly.
9. How is the work culture there?
A. They follow western culture. The work life balance is excellent as compared to South India. They
do not disturb the employees after working hours and holidays and same is expected from the
expats.
B. Unlike India they work on approval basis and you got to take prior approvals for your leaves
otherwise your job could be at risk. Exception being sickness.
C. We strongly advise not believe in people but to believe in processes.
D. People prefer to call by their names rather Sir or Madam.
10. Advantages of working at Maldives.
A. The following are advantages:
a. Tax Free Salary.
b. Work timings are restricted.
c. Beautiful place with Blue water and white sand.
d. Technologically they are very advanced. You can get best of speeds in Phones and
Broadband.
e. Friday is their weekly holiday and Sunday is like Monday at India.
11. Precautions to be taken:
A. The following precautions are advised:
a. We cannot scold our subordinates.
b. Rule of land should be prevailed.
c. Alcohol is prohibited in regular life, however one can consume at resorts.
d. Do not speak about politics be it official or personal.
e. Do not gossip with your local colleague as it may go against you.
f. Always speak on the facts and carry approvals for every work you do.
g. Be careful with women as any negligence with the local women would be very sensitive.
12. Travel Precautions for expats:
a. Ensure you have a proper work permit Visa or business Visa to travel to Maldives as Expat
worker.
b. Do not carry prohibitory items in your luggage like pan masala, liquor, Indian God photos
etc.
c. The person who comes to the airport to pick you up will drop you at the hotel.
13. Other things that are important:
a. We have HSBC Bank and SBI from where we can send the funds to India.
b. You cannot get Milk tea or coffee at every place. But black tea is available.
c. Fish is very common and you can find in every other handmade snack.
d. You can carry Indian pickles and hand-made snacks.
e. You will get every other cooking items there in stores including rice so no need to carry
the same.
f. Clothes you need to get from India as it is a costly affair there.
g. Carry medicines in case if you are under medication. You may not get same medicine but
however you can get alternative general medicine.
h. Please note you are not covered under any medical scheme as medical facilities are
limited and you may have to travel back to India for any serious ailment.
i. You need not carry your passport always but it is advisable to carry a photocopy of
passport and work visa along with you.
j. Islamic festivals such as Ramadan, Hajj, and EID are strictly observed. During Ramadan
fasting takes place and cafes and restaurants are closed during daylight hours. It is against
the law to eat, drink or smoke during this period and whilst foreigners will not be fined,
out of respect for the community you are expected to eat, drink and smoke only behind
closed doors. Working hours during this period are considerably reduced and the pace of
life becomes even slower than normal.