Immigration Deport Foreign Nationals Amid Dollar Shortage Exploitation Concerns

The Maldives Immigration has initiated the repatriation process for foreign nationals allegedly involved in significant illicit dollar trading within the country’s black market.

Controller of Immigration Mohamed Shamaan Waheed, in a statement posted on X platform, announced the commencement of a targeted operation in collaboration with the Maldives Police Service (MPS). 

This operation was prompted by a tip-off regarding foreign nationals participating in dollar transactions within the black market. Shamaan further confirmed that individuals apprehended by Immigration authorities are currently undergoing deportation procedures.

The Immigration department revealed that a specialised operation took place on March 9, following intelligence reports regarding illicit dollar transactions in the black market involving illegal foreign residents. 

The investigation was initiated upon the discovery of foreign nationals engaging in unauthorized dollar trading activities. 

A total of seven individuals, including foreigners residing in the Maldives without valid visas and those working beyond the scope of their issued permits, were detained during the operation conducted by various divisions within the Immigration Department, including Risk Intelligence, Legal Affairs, Enforcement, and Compliance.