The Maldives Immigration has commenced the process of repatriating foreign nationals involved in extensive illicit trading of dollars in the country's black market.
In a post on X, Controller of Immigration Mohamed Shamaan Waheed announced that a targeted operation, in collaboration with the Maldives Police Service (MPS), was launched following a tip-off regarding foreign nationals engaging in dollar transactions within the black market. He also confirmed that those apprehended by Immigration authorities are now undergoing deportation procedures.
The Immigration disclosed that a specialised operation was carried out on March 9 after receiving intelligence about illicit dollar transactions in the black market involving illegal foreign residents. The investigation ensued subsequent to the discovery of foreign nationals illicitly trading dollars. A total of seven individuals, comprising foreigners residing in the Maldives without valid visas and those working outside the confines of their issued permits, were detained during the operation conducted by the Risk Intelligence, Legal Affairs, Enforcement, and Compliance Divisions of the Immigration Department.