Immigration Detains Nearly 100 Foreigners Operating Businesses Illegally

Maldives Immigration has detained around 100 foreigners for operating businesses illegally in Malé and Hulhumalé during recent raid operations.

According to the agency, a total of 99 expatriates were arrested in operations conducted in collaboration with the Maldives Police Service from 29th July until yesterday. The authorities are currently processing the documentation for these individuals before deporting them. Immigration officials noted that nearly 1,800 foreigners have been deported since the current administration took office.

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Further operations resulted in more detentions, with authorities targeting small retail and takeaway coffee shops in Malé. Prior to these raids, two local markets were also raided, leading to the detention of foreigners managing stalls. With most expatriates taken into custody, both markets were closed by around 20:00 hours that night and remained closed for the following 2-3 days.

A subsequent raid on the markets resulted in additional detentions, leading to the complete closure of the ‘Half Price’ market due to the lack of personnel to manage the stalls.

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In a significant development, authorities apprehended a key individual involved in the illegal business operations of foreigners last Monday. Alongside this person, three foreign males and a female were also detained.

Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusan, stated that the government remains committed to addressing the issue of undocumented migrants and illegal business operations, emphasising that efforts will continue until the problem is resolved.