Massage parlors closed, expatriates arrested

A few massage parlors in Male' have been closed, with expatriates who have been working in said places against the law having been arrested.

The operation was put into motion with Immigration and police cooperating together, with the operation searching four massage parlors. Immigration said that the operation seeks to determine and stop businesses where expatriates are working illegally, with the four aforementioned parlors being searched under that justification.

Immigration stated that the operation saw four expatriates be detained following searches.

Immigration also stated that the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade had given notice to the four aforementioned parlors.

While there are many massage parlors that claim to be professional massage businesses in Male' and islands with large populations, accusations are made against a lot of them stating that they conduct acts of prostitution.

Expatriate prostitutes also advertise their services on social media which includes their photos and phone numbers.

The concern surrounding massage parlors has also been submitted to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Residents who attended the community meetings in Male' where President Muizzu went to speak with residents in the districts have requested action be taken against various massage parlors.

The President gave his assurance during the meetings that he would attend to these issues.

Immigration and police have been conducting operations from time to time in order to halt prostitution under the guise of massage parlors in Male'. Maldivians and expatriates have been detained from such places, with expatriates having been deported as well.