Ministry of Economic Development has revealed plans to establish a detention centre in Gulhifalhu, spacious enough to accommodate 1,000 illegal expatriates in custody until they are sent abroad.
Speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office, Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail stated several plans are in place to solve the issue of illegal expatriates in Maldives. In this regard, he noted the biggest challenge faced is the lack of space to hold expatriates under custody. The economic minister expressed efforts are underway to construct a detention centre in Gulhifalhu with the capacity to hold 1,000 illegal expatriates at any given time, adding the tender process will be opened next month.
Furthermore, Minister Fayyaz added solutions are being sought to limit the number of foreign workers from each country, highlighting a quota will be established for the countries. Speaking more on the issue, he said the regulation programme will commence next month to solve the issue of expatriates working illegally in Maldives.
A detention centre, with the capacity to hold up to 40 illegal expatriates, was inaugurated last April. Normally it takes up to 15 days to 30 days to deport an illegal expatriate.