Controller General of Immigration Mohamed Sham'aan has issued a warning, stating that legal action will be pursued against individuals who employ illegal expatriates.
In a social media post, Sham'aan emphasised that it is unlawful to engage in financial transactions with foreigners or to hire unauthorized foreign workers, according to the Maldives Immigration Act. He also noted that violators will face penalties as stipulated by law.
Additionally, Sham'aan highlighted the authority given to the Controller General of Immigration to penalise individuals that employ illegal expatriates, including fines up to USD 3,242 and temporary passport retention. He also urged public compliance with the Act and the regulations made under it.
The Maldives Immigration has launched a joint operation, in collaboration with the Maldives Police Service (MPS), to identify illegal immigrants across the nation. Under this operation, several immigrants have been brought to the custody of the Maldives Immigration.
The government plans to expand the operation to encompass all islands in the country within the coming year. In addition, efforts are underway to centralise information on all foreigners in the Maldives into a unified database, aiming to resolve related issues within a three-year timeframe.