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Powder-white beaches, clear turquoise waters, and luxury resorts have lured globetrotters to the Maldives for years. But what’s life like for those who migrate to the island nation for work and live there? RASHIMA NAGPAL finds out.

- RASHIMA NAGPAL

IF LATE, THE MALDIVES is everywhere you look. Instagram handles of Indian celebrities and honeymooning couples are brimming with stunning images of the archipelago. It has become the international pandemic getaway for India. And according to recent reports, tourist arrivals surpassed 300,000 during the first three months of 2021.

In addition to tourists, the nation also sees a substantial influx of working population, mainly from the neighbouring countries of India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. According to a 2014 Population and Housing Census, at least 16 per cent of its population was made up of expats. And the resorts that occupy close to 200 islets of the 1,190 in the Maldives employ many of these expats.

Stephane Laguette, for instance, moved to the Maldives in late 2018 to begin his stint as the chief commercial officer of Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts (atmospherehotelsandresorts.com). French-origin Laguette was born and raised in Algeria in North Africa. From Madagascar to Thailand to Abu Dhabi and more, he has lived in many places and has over 30 years of experience in hospitality. Maldives is yet another milestone in his journey. Laguette chose to stay put through the pandemic and lockdown. “Even though it was in the middle of nowhere, and the future was uncertain, I feel I was lucky to have a beautiful and secure place to live in,” he shares.