The Ministry of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preventing human trafficking, announcing that one of its key priorities is to establish a strong system capable of identifying and stopping trafficking before such crimes take place.
The ministry made the statement on Thursday to mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on July 30. This year’s commemoration highlights the importance of taking proactive measures to prevent exploitation and protect vulnerable individuals.
As part of these efforts, the government has outlined several initiatives under the Maldives Anti-Human Trafficking Strategic Plan 2026–2028. The planned measures include expanding awareness programmes for foreign workers and employers, educating migrant workers about their rights before and after arriving in the Maldives, and strengthening migration management through biometric registration and digital systems.
The ministry said the current administration has placed significant emphasis on combating human trafficking. As part of wider institutional reforms, all government agencies responsible for labour-related matters were brought under the Ministry of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology in April this year. According to the ministry, the move has improved coordination among relevant authorities and strengthened the country’s response to trafficking-related offences.
The ministry also reiterated its commitment to working closely with other state institutions and civil society organisations to create a safer Maldives where everyone is protected from exploitation and can live with dignity.
Human trafficking remains a global issue involving the recruitment, transportation or exploitation of people through force, fraud or coercion. The Maldives has in recent years strengthened its legal and institutional framework to address the crime, particularly in relation to labour exploitation involving migrant workers, through increased enforcement, policy reforms and international cooperation.
