Maldives Launches First National Migrant Health Policy with IOM Support

Malé, [30 June 2025] – In a landmark move towards inclusive health systems, the Government of Maldives launched its first National Migrant Health Policy today, reaffirming its commitment to “Health for All” in alignment with global commitments under the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Led by the Ministry of Health and the Health Protection Agency and developed in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) the policy aims to improve health access and outcomes for both migrants and host communities.

Remarking on the launch of the policy, H.E. Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, Minister of Health, emphasized, “We must ensure that this policy is not just a document on paper, but a living promise backed by coordinated action, sustained investment, shared accountability and responsibility”.
The Maldives, home to over 132,000 foreigners, accounting for 26% of the total population, has one of the highest ratios of migrants to nationals in the region. For every three Maldivians, there is one foreigner. Within this migration dynamic, 70,000 are estimated to be undocumented migrants. 53% of the migrant population is comprised of youth, and 12% are female. This demographic reality highlights the urgent need for inclusive, rights-based and evidence-driven health policies.

The newly launched policy promotes a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, supporting the integration of migrant health into national health systems. It also focuses on improving data collection for data-driven decision making; expanding access to health services; reducing vulnerabilities through migrant-friendly and culturally sensitive services; and advocating for portability of social protection entitlements. As a result, this policy will give momentum to strengthen existing public health interventions to safeguard the residential population of the Maldives.
The policy was developed through a series of national consultations and enriched by a study visit to Sri Lanka, where Maldivian officials engaged with regional counterparts to gather best practices. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) played a key role, providing technical expertise and funding support through the IOM Development Fund, in partnership with the Health Protection Agency and the World Health Organization (WHO), throughout the process.

“This policy is the beginning of meaningful change. The next step is translating it into real impact: welcoming clinics, multilingual health campaigns and partnerships that bridge gaps in healthcare,” said Iori Kato, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, IOM.

“IOM is honored to stand with you in making this vision a reality. May this policy serve as a beacon of hope and progress for migrants in the Maldives and beyond,” he added.
As countries around the world work to realize Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the 2030 Agenda, the Maldives is taking concrete strides to ensure migrant health is not an afterthought, but a priority—benefiting both migrants and host communities alike.

For more information, please contact:

Shantha Kulasekara, Head of Office, IOM Maldives
E-mail: skulasekara@iom.int