Immigration plans to continue on its crackdown against illegal activities by expatriates.
Over 2,000 expatriates have been deported from the Maldives for various violations of the law since last November, revealed Immigration Controller Mohamed Shamaan today.
Speaking at a press conference held by the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, Shamaan detailed that a total of 2,013 expatriates who were found in violation of the law while residing in the Maldives have been deported. This includes foreigners accused of serious crimes who were living on various islands across the country.
Immigration is currently in the process of halting foreigners from operating businesses in the country, which is prohibited by law but has been occurring on a large scale.
Shamaan further stated that over 120 foreigners were apprehended in special operations aimed at halting these illegal business operations. All 120 individuals are currently in the custody of Immigration.
"They have been taken into Immigration's custody and [we] are now processing their deportation. They are being sent with the condition that they will not be allowed to return," Shamaan said.
The raid operations so far have seen multiple local markets hit with many expatriates taken into detention from each place. Other places which were also raided include small retail shops, takeaway coffee stores and massage spas used as a front for prostitution.
Immigration has stated that it will continue to crack down on illegal activities conducted by foreigners and emphasized that the agency will not cease its raids.
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