Immigration has lifted the steps that were taken against an expatriate who was deported from Maldives on allegations of living in Maldives against the law after the expatriate filed a case against Immigration stating their rights were not guaranteed.

Thailand national Kanakpon Thawongna, who used to work at a salon in Male', filed a case at the Civil Court against Immigration seeking a judicial review to be conducted against them.

The Thai national was detained by Immigration in an operation they conducted in December 2025. The case they filed state they were detained by Immigration when they were cooking with their friends while the salon they worked at was closed for renovations.

Immigration arrested them during the raid operation, detained them at the Hulhumale' Detention Center and deported them.

However, Kanakpon Thawongna said steps were taken against them when no crime had been committed and before their right to live in Maldives had been voided. The claim states that the measure taken against them is a violation of the law.

The case reads that they were arrested after a crime had allegedly been committed, with them being made to sign a statement when they did not know how to read or write in English, and without having their sponsor and a translator present when they were placed in detention. The claim requested the court to determine that Immigration acted without granting them their rights in the appropriate manner.

While the trial had been taking place at the Civil Court, Kanakpon Thawongna requested to withdraw the case on 12th August.

The reason for the withdrawal was because the measures against them had been rescinded and that they had regained their freedom.

The Civil Court has ruled that the case has been withdrawn, with the matter being closed yesterday.