Immigration detains expats living in cafés

Maldives Immigration has taken into detention a number of expatriates found to be living in cafés.

In a post on social media platform X today, Immigration said that on Monday they had inspected four expatriate accommodation blocks under their ongoing operation to identify where expatriates in the country illegally may be living in crowded conditions, and to identify accommodation premises in conditions that pose public safety risks.

The four places inspected include two residences and two cafés, they said.

Seven expatriates living illegally in the country were found in these inspections.

This special operation to inspect expatriate accommodation blocks was launched on last Wednesday, under Immigration's larger efforts to locate expatriates living and working illegally in the country.

Immigration has earlier said that action will also be taken against landlords who have leased such unsafe premises, and leased to those living in the country against the law.