Immigration arrests two illegal expats following food factory raid

Immigration has shut down a location conducting food businesses activities at a wide scale for expatriates in the Industrial Zone in Hulhumale' and arrested two undocumented immigrants into their custody.

A footage from the premise, situated on the road adjacent to Auto Care Garage in Saimaa Hingun, which captured production of various food items and ongoing dine-ins alongside deliveries to various locations was heavily circulated on social media recently.

As the video progressed, scenes such as expatriates in the premise and ongoing delivery and food packaging works were also seen. Large and unsanitary pots used to prepare curries and snacks were also stored in the premise.

Media Official at Housing Development Corporation (HDC) told Mihaaru News that a notice was delivered to shut the operation down on Saturday citing concerns that it may harbor potential threats to civilian wellbeing among others.

Immigration, meanwhile, revealed that a garage was strictly inspected due to the video surfaced on social media claiming illegal business conduct. Two undocumented expatriates present at the location at the time were also detained into Immigration custody, they added.

The Industrial Zone in Hulhumale' is leased to businesses such as workshops and garages. However, foreigners have also set up shop at the location.

Immigration has been proceeding several operations to locate illegal expatriates and shut down illegal expat-led businesses, through which numerous premises that prepare food items in unsanitary conditions have been discovered. The agency also recently revealed that over 3,000 undocumented foreigners active at such premises were deported from the country through these operations.