MNDF takes over Minister Ihusaan's security

Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has taken over Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan's security.

The security of ministers other than the Defense Minister is usually provided by police. The security of the Homeland Minister was also maintained by police, which operates under the Homeland Ministry.

Minister Ihusaan speaking with Mihaaru News today said that MNDF took over his security following a threat assessment. However, he stressed that it was not because of any major incident.

"The threat assessment of ministers are conduct from time to time. If the assessment identifies ministers who should be looked after by the MNDF, this change will always be made. This has always been done. As such, MNDF has now taken over my security," Minister Ihusaan, who received military training in the United States, and spent over 10 years as an army officer, said.

Homeland ministry, often considered as the 'mega' ministry of the government, is currently prioritizing efforts to address the issue of undocumented expatriates in the Maldives. A key focus of their work is targeting expatriates who are operating businesses illegally through large networks within the country, with these operations being shut down as part of the government's broader initiative to regulate and manage undocumented expatriates.

Ihusaan has also recently taken the initiative to draft a bill against gang crimes, drug smuggling and allowing capital punishment for certain crimes.

The Ministry of Home Affairs recently published a list of prominent businesses in the Maldives that are operating without paying expatriate fees. This list includes some of the most well-known companies in the country, believed to have significant influence and power to pressure the government.