Indian Workers in Maldives Worried Over SBI’s ₹13,000 Monthly Remittance Limit

Indian workers in the Maldives are facing hardship after the State Bank of India (SBI) limited their monthly remittance to USD 150 (around ₹13,000). The restriction, which came without prior notice, has affected thousands of Indians who depend on sending money home for their families’ daily needs, as reported by The Week.

The rule applies to those whose salaries are credited in Maldivian Rufiyaa through SBI branches in the Maldives. The cap, reportedly introduced due to a shortage of foreign currency in the island nation, replaces the earlier USD 400 limit. It has impacted employees such as teachers, nurses, hotel staff, and technical professionals.

As per the report, SBI has clarified that the measure is temporary and linked to the scarcity of US dollars in the Maldivian banking system but has not indicated when it will be lifted. Meanwhile, over 800 Indian expatriates have submitted a petition to President Mohamed Muizzu, while the Indian High Commission and Kerala’s NoRKA-Roots agency have taken up the matter for resolution.