Expats Detained After Allegedly Operating a Business on Tourist Visas

Maldives Immigration has announced that a Syrian woman and a Jordanian man, both accused of conducting business activities while on tourist visas, are to be deported.

In a statement on the social media platform X, Maldives Immigration revealed that the case was investigated following a report submitted to the authority. The detained individuals are a 19-year-old Syrian woman and a 24-year-old Jordanian man. Details of their arrival in the Maldives have not yet been disclosed.

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In response to concerns raised by the public, our team has detained two foreign nationals who were found violating tourist visa regulations. The individuals were reportedly engaging in unauthorized business activities while on tourist visa and were found to be illegally residing… pic.twitter.com/bbRwNXm7ND— Maldives Immigration (@ImmigrationMV) January 6, 2025

The authority confirmed that the pair had violated the terms of their tourist visas by engaging in business activities. Immigration officials have begun deportation procedures and urged the public to report instances of foreigners overstaying or violating visa conditions.

This incident follows a similar case last month, when a Chinese tourist was detained for conducting business in Malé while on a tourist visa. The individual was also found sleeping in public areas.

Maldives Immigration has reiterated its commitment to addressing visa violations and preventing illegal immigration. According to their records, over 5,000 foreign nationals have been deported in recent operations aimed at curbing such offences.

Authorities have assured that strict measures will continue to be enforced to maintain compliance with immigration laws in the Maldives.