Authorities Shut Down Over 60 Illegal Expatriate-Run Businesses

Authorities have shut down 66 illegal expatriate-run businesses as part of ongoing efforts to curb unauthorised commercial activity.

The ministry received 307 complaints regarding foreign-operated businesses, prompting 153 inspections. Of these, 46 businesses were closed for violating economic regulations, while 20 were found to breach other applicable laws. An additional 22 enterprises are being allowed to reopen after rectifying their operations.

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Businesses will be permitted to resume operations once they comply with regulations on business registration, as well as requirements set by the Health Protection Agency and the Maldives Food and Drug Authority. Any outstanding fines must also be settled before reopening.

The National Taskforce on Combating Illegal Expatriate Operations and Businesses, established to address unauthorised commercial activity, is responsible for shutting down businesses that violate registration guidelines.

The ministry has compiled a list of over 30 sectors reserved exclusively for local businesses and continues to receive reports of illegal expatriate-run operations. Investigations have identified two common methods used by such businesses, including the use of Maldivians as proxy owners and breaches of the Foreign Investments Act.