16 undocumented migrants illegally conducting business detained

Maldives Immigration has detained 16 undocumented migrants illegally conducting business after inspecting four locations in Male’.

Immigration announced the detention via a post on X.

In this regard, Immigration said they inspected four houses in Maafannu district on Tuesday as part of a raid on locations resided by migrants that are overcrowded.

They noted that various kinds of food were prepared at some of these locations for sale with disregard to hygiene standards.

Immigration said they also detained 16 undocumented migrants residing at these locations.

While the expat population in the Maldives is significantly high with their subsequent involvement in several industries, the issue of undocumented immigrants and businesses illegally owned by expatriates is an alarming concern.

Immigration, in collaboration with Police and relevant government authorities are conducting regular raids to identify undocumented migrants and deport them.

The efforts are being undertaken as part of an initiative to swiftly address the longstanding issue of undocumented migrants.