Anger of Island Expert expats boil over, no other options left

They had “warned” that they would protest if their wage issues remained unresolved within a week. 

That was the statement by the expatriates of Island Expert Company who protested in Hulhumale’ over a week ago. The protests on July 6, ended peacefully.

After a week, the expatriates once again returned to the streets to protest due to their unaddressed concerns. 

“We want to go home even if we have to be violent”

The expatriates began protesting around 9:00. Police managed to bring the unrest under control around 10:30-11:00.

Some officers suffered injuries due to the protests that turned violent. Vehicles were vandalized and bystanders were also targeted in the unrest.

“We did not start the fight at first. But some locals on a motorcycle threw something at us. Then we started to hurl things as well.” Said a participant.

An expatriate that did not take part in the protests but was close by on the site, said to Sun that the protesters wanted to return home, even if they have to get violent.

“Now that they don’t get their salaries, working here is useless. They can only go back by getting violent. They are deported, right? When they are arrested?” He questioned.

He said that Island Expert was not even trying to send them back.

Fear of locals for the actions of some

The expatriate that spoke with Sun, said that they had no choice before resorting to violence and protests.

The company paid each of them MVR 1,600 after last week’s protests. This was not enough for the expatriates who have not been paid since January.

“My father and mother are back home. They need money. But when violence occurs, the anger of the Maldivians are directed towards us. I was not violent.” Said the expatriate.

Around 50 to 100 expatriates protesters took part in today’s incidents. Some 40 were arrested later on by police. Sun was informed that around 300 expatriates had also resigned from the company prior to the violence. However, a large number of expatriates still remained on the sidelines from the protests.

There biggest concern is that the anger of locals would be directed towards them for the actions of few.

Island Expert Company had previously said that it had begun to distribute wages to their employees. However, this was refuted by the expatriates who said that they were only paid MVR 1,600 this month.

Despite efforts, Sun was unable to get a comment from the company.