Expats to Face Immediate Deportation for Criminal Offenses

MV+ News Desk | January 20, 2024
Photo: MV+

The Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan, announced a new policy stating that expatriates committing crimes in the Maldives will be immediately deported. 

Minister Ihusaan revealed that his Ministry is taking charge of overseeing agencies related to expatriate affairs, streamlining coordination among different ministries.

Addressing long standing challenges, the Minister highlighted the fragmented supervision of expatriate-related agencies, with economic, defense, and home ministries previously overseeing different aspects. Minister Ihusaan emphasised that his Ministry’s intervention aims to eliminate excuses and facilitate prompt issue resolution.

One of the immediate priorities outlined by the Minister is the enhancement of services, ensuring accountability within the agencies. To achieve this, the ministry plans to verify expatriate information at the fingerprint level, collaborating with local councils and the police service. Minister Ihusaan expects to establish a comprehensive database of expatriates within the year.

In efforts to expedite expatriate-related cases, the ministry is implementing measures to swiftly address instances of illegal residency. Minister Ihusaan confirmed that immediate deportation awaits foreigners living illegally, particularly those involved in criminal activities. Notably, 60 individuals have already been deported, including those with a criminal record.

Moreover, the Minister emphasised the government’s commitment to assisting illegal immigrants who voluntarily choose to return home. Special arrangements will be made for their departure, utilizing their deposit money while accommodating them in government facilities. Minister Ihusaan acknowledged the challenges faced by some expatriates in returning home independently.

The latest statistics released by the ministry indicate a significant expatriate presence, with 139,000 individuals in the Maldives, with the majority, 90,634, hailing from Bangladesh. The Minister noted that the maximum limit for legal foreign workers from any single country is set at 100,000, underscoring the importance of enforcing regulations to ensure compliance.

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