Maldives Immigration has detained 16 illegal immigrants.
Aiming to ensure the safety and security of the public, Immigration is actively working to track down illegal immigrants. Under these efforts, it had detained a total of 16 illegal immigrants, after raiding six cafés operating in Hulhumale' Phase I. The raids were conducted from September 24-25. Immigration stated that three cafés were issued a notice by relevant authorities, for not operating with the necessary permits.
Maldives Immigration, in collaboration with other government authorities, have deported 4,054 individuals, as of September 17. Under this joint operation, efforts are also ongoing, to collect the information of immigrants in the Maldives, nationwide. So far, these works have been completed for two islands. Additionally, the government has informed that immigrants operating businesses or involved in trade activities illegally, will be detained and deported.
Following the operation being conducted by the Immigration, several issues related to immigrants are being surfaced. As such, the Ministry of Homeland Security and Safety has stated that there are several immigrants residing in the Maldives illegally. It revealed that although immigrants enter the country with an open visa or a free visa facilitated by the sponsor, they engage in their own employment upon arriving at the Maldives.