Immigration Controller Mohamed Shamaan has said that the French family residing illegally in Maldives for the past 12 years will be deported.
In a post on X, Shamaan stated that the six family members, currently living in Thaa atoll Veymandoo, were reported to the Immigration Watch portal on July 18. Since then, efforts have been underway to facilitate their deportation in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The head of the family was brought before immigration authorities on October 23. However, the family’s passports had expired and required new travel documents.
“These persons will be deported as soon as they receive their travel documents. No one will be allowed to stay in Maldives in violation of the Immigration Act,” Shamaan said.
He added that the government would provide assistance in deporting the family once the documents are ready. The authorities will however, not specify a destination country for the family, Shamaan said.
The French couple and their three children originally entered Maldives on tourist visas but remained after their three-month visa expired and "settled" in the country.
Veymandoo Council President Rashwan Adam said that the council had made repeated efforts to regularize the family’s status, raising the matter in meetings with the police, Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), and the Ministry of Homeland Security. However, progress stalled due to the significant fines the family would have incurred for living in Maldives illegally for such a long time.
People familiar with the family told Mihaaru News that the couple converted to Islam and initially moved to the UK before relocating to the Maldives. They first lived in Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo, then in Laamu atoll, before moving to Thaa atoll Thimarafushi and then to Veymandoo.
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