Authorities have deported 21 expatriate workers detained in connection with recent labour protests at the Bolidhuffaru luxury resort development project, following their arrest amid the unrest.
According to Maldives Immigration, the workers were initially taken into custody on October 30 after the Maldives Police Service accused them of failing to comply with lawful instructions.
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The arrests followed demonstrations over poor accommodation and workplace welfare at the project site, after which police transferred the workers to Maldives Immigration to process their deportation under the Maldives Immigration Act.
Although one worker departed as scheduled, the remaining detainees refused to board the aircraft initially. Immigration authorities worked closely with the project developer to resolve the impasse, ultimately completing the removal of all 21 individuals from the country.
The detentions drew sharp criticism from civil society watchdog Transparency Maldives, which voiced deep concern over the penalisation of migrant workers taking part in demonstrations. The organisation warned that detaining and deporting labourers for demanding basic entitlements undermines fundamental labour rights and sets a troubling precedent of retaliation against vulnerable workers.
The Bolidhuffaru project is a high-profile luxury hospitality venture underway across a 35-hectare reclaimed lagoon in South Malé Atoll, spearheaded by UAE-based DAMAC Properties’ Vita Heights. Slated to open under Hong Kong’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group as the brand’s Maldivian debut, the property is designed to feature 120 overwater and beachfront villas alongside residential units.
