The Health Professionals Union expressed concern last night over the changes brought to the foreign worker job categorization list.

In a post made on social media, the union stated that with the changes brought to the Expat System's occupation categorization list, several professional health sector categories have been reclassified into non-technical categories. These include some medical sub-specialties, laboratory technicians, and medical imaging technicians.

Therefore, the Health Union said that key benefits previously available to individuals in professional categories have been removed.

Dependent visas and higher remittance limits on sending money home were allowances provided based on an individual's respective field.

The Health Union said that many of these employees are individuals who have built their lives in the Maldives alongside their families, with their children acquiring education here.

It also stated that because dependent visas cannot be renewed under the newly introduced changes, families are being separated and forced to send back their wives and children, causing severe hardship to their lives and well-being.

"Due to this, significant shocks will occur to the health system which is already heavily dependent on foreigners. Additionally, it will obstruct the retention of staff and the uninterrupted delivery of health services," said the Health Union.

Due to these challenges, the union called on Homeland Security to review the occupation categorization list and to appreciate the professionals in the health sector by considering their educational qualifications, skills, responsibilities, and the key role they play in providing healthcare services.

Furthermore, it also called on the Ministry of Health to take action as soon as possible in collaboration with relevant authorities to resolve the issue and ensure that health sector professionals are not unfairly impacted as a result of such categorization.