The Maldives Police Service handed over 22 expatriate workers to the immigration detention facility after taking them into custody for disobeying orders during recent protests over substandard welfare conditions at the Bolidhuffaru luxury resort development near Bolifushi.
The unrest erupted as foreign labourers raised concerns regarding their living and working conditions at the lagoon project. Following the police transfer, immigration authorities escorted the detainees to Velana International Airport for deportation.
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However, police stated that only one individual has flown out so far, with the remaining workers refusing to board the aircraft. Maldives Immigration, in consultation with the project developer, is currently determining the next steps regarding those who resisted departure.
Transparency Maldives also expressed concern over the detention of the migrant workers at the Immigration Detention Centre. The civil society organisation warned that detaining workers for participating in a peaceful labour protest undermines fundamental rights and raises serious concerns regarding retaliation against workers attempting to defend their basic entitlements.
The Bolidhuffaru site is part of a high-end luxury resort development undertaken by UAE-based DAMAC Properties’ Vita Heights across the 35-hectare reclaimed lagoon in South Malé Atoll. Slated to be operated by Hong Kong’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, marking the luxury brand’s debut in the Maldives, the project will include 120 overwater and beachfront villas alongside residential units.
Bolidhuffaru is one of three lagoons in South Malé Atoll, along with Vaareddhoo and Maadhighgaru, leased during former President Abdulla Yameen’s administration for resort development.
We are deeply concerned by reports that around 21 migrant workers have been detained at the Immigration Detention Center in connection with the protest that began last week at a resort construction site on Bolidhuffaru Reef. @ImmigrationMV @hrcmv @Official_LRAmv @PoliceMv— Transparency Maldives (@TransparencyMV) November 1, 2026
