Parliament of the Maldives has passed the amendment bill to the Anti-Human Trafficking Act, permitting the state to seize funds acquired through human trafficking.
The amendment bill to the Anti-Human Trafficking Act was proposed by Parliamentarian Jeehan Mahmood to bring the law in line with the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime, which the Maldives has participated in. The amendment bill was passed by the parliament with votes from 57 members.
The amendment specifies planning, attempting or taking part in human trafficking at any level or capacity as a criminal offence. The amendment states all funds and property acquired by an individual or business through human trafficking can be seized by the state, in accordance to the Criminal Procedure Act.
Furthermore, the amendment also mandates the court of law to ensure compensation for victims of human trafficking. Compensation includes monthly wages, medical expenses and any illegal fee paid too an employment agency or recruitment agency. The amount of compensation to be paid to the victim will be specified by the court, with respect to the Anti-Human Trafficking Act.