Maldives Immigration Detains Seven Expatriates in Enforcement Operation

Maldives Immigration has taken seven expatriates into custody during an operation conducted on Thursday as part of ongoing efforts to address unlawful residency and business activity in the country.

Maldives Immigration said the operation targeted businesses allegedly operated in violation of regulations, during which 17 foreign nationals were inspected and seven were subsequently detained and placed in immigration custody.

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The government and Maldives Immigration have intensified joint efforts to address the presence of expatriates living and working unlawfully in the Maldives, with multiple enforcement programmes currently underway.

Authorities have said the wider initiative aims to identify expatriates residing without legal status, as well as individuals operating businesses under unlawful arrangements, and to take appropriate action where violations are found.

As part of ongoing data collection efforts, information on more than 202,000 expatriates has been compiled, according to authorities.

The government has also indicated that, from next year, expatriates found to be residing unlawfully will be subject to deportation without further opportunity for regularisation under existing frameworks.