MP Highlights Concerns Over Foreign Influence

A Member of Parliament has expressed concerns about the pervasive presence of foreigners in the Maldives. Speaking on behalf of the government regarding an amendment to the Employment Act, North Hulhumale’ MP Hussain Shareef highlighted the extent to which foreign nationals have permeated various sectors of Maldivian economy.

Shareef emphasised the extent of foreign involvement, stating, “There is no area among the people where foreigners do not dominate the country.” He illustrated his point by noting that foreigners are involved in household chores, often to the extent that local residents have become passive observers.

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Shareef expressed his concern that the situation has reached a troubling point. “Foreigners are everywhere,” he said, citing their presence in fishing, street shops, and as cashiers. He further remarked that in some cases, foreigners are even performing domestic tasks like cooking.

He suggested that addressing the issue of foreign employment could involve stopping the employment of foreigners at lower wages. Shareef also proposed that tackling illegal immigration could be achieved by closing financial routes used by illegal immigrants to send money abroad. He argued that by sealing these routes, the state would reduce its expenditure on tracking and repatriating illegal immigrants.

Shareef called for legislative changes to address these concerns, proposing that the amendment to the Employment Act should include measures to prevent the export of funds by illegal immigrants. 

He concluded by noting that while various governments have attempted to address the issue, the influence of foreigners within state institutions has hindered progress.