Immigration Shuts Down Illegal Food Business in Malé, Detains 15 Migrants

Maldives Immigration detained 15 migrants following a raid on an illegal food business operating in a deteriorated house in the Henveiru district of Malé City. 

The establishment was found to be operating in conditions that significantly failed to meet food safety standards. The raid, which took place on Saturday, targeted a business called Bianca. It was prompted by a tip-off received by a special taskforce focused on cracking down on illegal migrants in the country.

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In a statement, Maldives Immigration confirmed, “Fifteen migrants living illegally at the site were taken into custody.” The business was also issued a closure notice.

Photos shared by Immigration on the social media platform X revealed a kitchen in poor condition, with dirty utensils, plastic containers of curry, and rice packaged in plastic bags, further highlighting the unhygienic practices at the premises.

The operation was carried out with the support of the Maldives Police Service, the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA), the Health Protection Agency (HPA), and the Ministry of Economic Development.

This raid is part of a broader special operation aimed at uncovering illegal businesses run by migrants, many of which prepare food items in unsafe and unsanitary conditions in rundown houses before selling them in local stores and cafés.

Health Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel has vowed to close down such establishments.

The newly enforced Food Safety Act, which came into effect on August 23, grants the MFDA additional powers, including the authority to penalise unregistered businesses with closures and fines ranging from MVR 50,000 to MVR 100,000.