Foreigners who participate in political activities will be penalised: Controller

Department of Immigration and Emigration has said that steps will be taken against foreigners who participate in political activities in Maldives.

Controller Ilyas Hussain Ibrahim said today that complaints have been received from the general public of foreigners taking part in these activities.

“We receive complaints from the public. We also see them participating in political activities on videos and news,” the Controller said.

He also said that some foreigners have left the country subsequent to Immigration Department talking to them about this, but several of them still remain in Maldives.

Immigration Department is working in collaboration with Home Ministry in taking steps against them.

A statement released by Immigration Department today regarding this issue indicates that necessary steps according to article 33(c) of Immigration Act will be taken against any foreigner who is seen as a threat to Maldives security and sovereignty by participating in political activities.

Article 33(c) of Immigration Act states that if an offence has been committed by a foreign national, the penalty for the offence shall be a fine ranging between Rf 15,000 and Rf 50,000. In addition, the Controller of Immigration and Emigration has the discretion to deport and prohibit him from entering the Maldives for a specified period.

Foreigners participated in MDP activities when MDP had the camp at Lonuziyaaraiy kolhu. Foreigners were also seen at the protest held on 23 December.