Immigration Detains 16 Expatriates Following Raids in Hulhumalé Cafés
Maldives Immigration has detained 16 expatriates after conducting raids on six cafés in Hulhumalé Phase 1 last week.
The operations, carried out on last Tuesday and Wednesday, were part of a broader effort to address immigration violations. In a statement published on X, Maldives Immigration confirmed that 16 expatriates were found in violation of the country’s immigration laws during the searches and were subsequently taken into custody. Additionally, three cafés were found to be operating without proper permits, prompting notices from the relevant authorities.
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މި މަހުގެ 24 އަދި 25 ވަނަ ދުވަހު ޓާސްކު ފޯސް އިން ވަނީ ހުޅުމާލޭގެ ފޭސް 01ގައި ހިންގަމުންދާ 06 ކެފޭ/ހޮޓާ ބަލައި ފާސްކޮށްފައި. އަދި މިތަންތަނުގައި ގަވާއިދާ ހިލާފަށް ތިބި 16 ބިދޭސީއަކު ވަނީ އިމިގްރޭޝަން ބެލުމުގެ ދަށަށް ގެނެވިފައި. އަދި މީގެތެރެއިން ނަގަންޖެހޭ ބައެއް ހުއްދަތައް… pic.twitter.com/ulWeHyVAU3— Maldives Immigration (@ImmigrationMV) September 26, 2024
These raids follow the launch of a special operation by Immigration last Wednesday, targeting expatriate residences to address the issue of foreigners living in the country unlawfully.
The focus on immigration enforcement has intensified following a recent fire at Gaamagu Café in the Maafannu ward. Investigations revealed that over 50 expatriates were living in the building, which was severely damaged in the blaze earlier this month. The top two floors of the three-storey structure were constructed with wooden decks and roofing sheets, making the building particularly vulnerable.
Authorities have already deported over 3,000 foreigners found to be in violation of various laws. The ongoing operation has reportedly led some individuals to flee to the atolls in an attempt to evade the authorities.
