Maldives: jobs and pay

What is the unemployment rate in the Maldives?

Unemployment in Malé was 2.3% between October 2024 and September 2025, according to the Labour Force Survey from the Maldives Bureau of Statistics (MBS). Among Maldivians it was 3.7% (3.3% for men and 4.3% for women), because foreign residents were almost all employed. The survey counted 3,289 unemployed people, 3,150 of them Maldivians.

The survey covers Malé only, not the whole country. For the whole country, the World Bank's modelled estimate, based on International Labour Organization methods, was 4.5% in 2025. The labour force participation rate in Malé was 76.7%: 97.8% for foreigners and 66.9% for Maldivians.

Official sources: Maldives Bureau of Statistics: Labour Force Survey Report 2024-2025 (PDF) · World Bank: unemployment, modelled ILO estimate, Maldives

What is youth unemployment in the Maldives?

Unemployment among people aged 15 to 24 in the Maldives was 15.7% in 2025, according to a modelled International Labour Organization estimate published by the World Bank.

The Labour Force Survey from the Maldives Bureau of Statistics, which covers Malé only, reports unemployment of 4.6% among Maldivians aged 15 to 34 between October 2024 and September 2025, against 2.9% for those aged 35 and over. The two sources use different age groups and coverage, so their figures cannot be compared directly.

Official sources: World Bank: youth unemployment, modelled ILO estimate, Maldives · Maldives Bureau of Statistics: Labour Force Survey Report 2024-2025 (PDF)

What is the minimum wage in the Maldives?

In 2022, the statutory minimum wage in the Maldives was 5,700 MVR a month (about $370), according to the ILO.

What is the average wage in the Maldives?

The ILO puts average monthly earnings of employees in the Maldives at $751 a month in 2019. Of 114 countries with 2019 data, 54th highest.

How high is unemployment in the Maldives?

According to the ILO, the unemployment rate in the Maldives was 4.5% in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 4.0% (2023) to 11.7% (2009). It is 2nd highest of 6 in South Asia, where the median is 4.1%. World rank, highest first: 103rd of 174.

How many young people in the Maldives are unemployed?

According to the ILO, unemployment among 15 to 24 year olds in the Maldives was 15.7% in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2009, at 24.7%; its low point was 2019, at 13.5%. South Asia median: 16.5%; the Maldives is 5th highest of 6. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 68th highest.

What share of people in the Maldives are in the labour force?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 63.5%. Since 2005 it has ranged from 52.1% (2009) to 63.6% (2019). Across South Asia the middle value was 57.2%, and the Maldives placed 2nd highest of 6. Worldwide: 77th of 174.

How many women in the Maldives are working or looking for work?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 40.7%. Since 2005 it has ranged from 36.3% (2009) to 40.8% (2019). It is 2nd highest of 6 in South Asia, where the median is 35.5%. World rank, highest first: 141st of 174.

What share of adults in the Maldives have a job?

In 2025, the employment to population ratio in the Maldives was 60.6%, according to the ILO. Its high point since 2005 was 2023, at 60.8%; its low point was 2009, at 46.0%. It is 2nd highest of 6 in South Asia, where the median is 54.9%. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 66th highest.

How many workers in the Maldives are self-employed or family workers?

The ILO puts the share of workers who are own-account or contributing family workers in the Maldives at 16.9% in 2025. No year since 2005 has been lower. Across South Asia the middle value was 63.2%, and the Maldives placed 6th highest of 6. Worldwide: 122nd of 174.

What share of jobs in the Maldives are salaried?

The latest figure from the ILO, for 2025, is 80.0%. No year since 2005 has been higher. Across South Asia the middle value was 34.7%, and the Maldives placed 1st highest of 6. Of 174 countries with 2025 data, 53rd highest.