Maldives Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Expatriates

July 30, 2024 - The Maldives has significantly ramped up efforts to tackle illegal migration and unauthorized business activities by expatriates, resulting in numerous detentions and deportations.

Key Developments:

1.Large-Scale Deportations:
Since November 2023, the Maldives has deported over 2,000 undocumented immigrants. This action is part of a broader initiative to address illegal immigration and related criminal activities. These deportations include expatriates involved in serious issues, such as criminal activities and those operating businesses without proper authorization .
2. Recent Raids:
Multiple raids conducted in Malé and Hulhumalé have resulted in the detention of numerous expatriates. For instance, six expatriates were detained in raids on food establishments suspected of operating illegally. Additionally, a café operated by some of the detained individuals was shut down .
Another operation led to the detention of eight expatriates for running illegal takeaway coffee shops in Hulhumalé .
3.Government Initiatives:
The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology launched ‘Operation Kurangi’ to collect biometric data of immigrants, aiming to create a comprehensive registry for effective management of the immigrant population. Over 1,500 migrants have already had their biometrics collected as part of this operation .
The government has introduced a policy to publicize negligent employers who fail to meet their responsibilities towards migrant workers. This policy aims to curb illegal expatriate operations and ensure accountability .
A new initiative has been launched to restrict expatriates from working in 25 business sectors, including food and beverage sales, taxi services, and retail trade .
4.Public Participation and Legal Actions:
An online platform, ‘Immigration Watch’, has been launched to allow the public to anonymously report illegal immigrants. This initiative is part of a comprehensive approach to tackling illegal migration .
Authorities have emphasized the importance of legal compliance and have warned that expatriates working outside their permit constraints will face strict action, as seen in the crackdown on expatriates working as photographers and in the music industry without proper permits .
5.Support for Local Workforce:
The crackdown also aims to support the local workforce by ensuring that expatriates do not occupy jobs that can be filled by Maldivians. This includes measures to enhance job opportunities for local youth by limiting unauthorized business operations by expatriates .

These comprehensive measures reflect the Maldives’ commitment to maintaining law and order amidst the challenges posed by illegal migration and unauthorized business activities. The ongoing crackdown underscores the government’s determination to enforce immigration laws and ensure compliance among expatriates.