Immigration Arrests 32 Undocumented Workers at Food Supply Hub
Photo: Maldives Immigration
Maldives Immigration detained 32 foreign nationals from a food supply hub in February after acting on a tip received by Immigration Watch.
The anonymous report claimed to have witnessed a large quantity of frozen fish, vegetables, other food products, and gas cylinders being supplied to two houses in Machhangolhi, Hithilaage.
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The houses, which were raised up to four floors with decks, were said to be involved in the distribution. The report also mentioned that many food parcels were seen leaving the premises around lunchtime every day, with several delivery motorcycles arriving at that time.
Based on the tip-off, Immigration officers carried out a search of the location, where they discovered the premises were being used as both a mass food production space and accommodation for expatriates. Upon inspection, it was found that 32 out of the 76 expatriates living there did not have valid documentation. A video released by the agency showed cramped living conditions in a wooden structure.
Following the search, the 32 undocumented individuals were detained. Immigration has recently been conducting a series of deportations, removing hundreds of people from the country for residing without proper documentation.
