35 Expats Taken into Custody in Thilafushi Operation Over Visa Violations, Illegal Work

Thirty-five foreign nationals have been taken into custody during a joint enforcement operation by the Maldives Police Service and Maldives Immigration in K. Thilafushi, with authorities citing expired visas, unauthorised employment and illegal business activities among the reasons for the action.

The operation was conducted yesterday targeting undocumented expatriates and individuals violating immigration and work permit regulations in the island’s industrial areas, commercial locations and transport hubs, according to the Maldives Police Service. 

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According to the police, those taken into custody include 31 Bangladeshi nationals, three Indian nationals and one Nepalese national.

Authorities said the individuals were detained for various violations, including expired visas, working in locations not authorised under their permits, operating independent businesses and earning income in breach of visa conditions, and failing to pay required work permit fees.

Some of those taken into custody had also been reported as absconding from their registered workplaces, while others were suspected of operating illegal businesses in Thilafushi, police said.

The operation included inspections at key areas across the island, including the Thilafushi Ferry Terminal, STELCO T-Jetty area and several industrial zones.

The Maldives Police Service said the individuals have since been handed over to Maldives Immigration to take further legal action and complete the deportation process.

Authorities said similar joint operations will continue as part of efforts to address undocumented foreign workers and ensure compliance with immigration regulations.