Running small scale businesses is illegal in the Maldives for expatriates.
Maldives Immigration yesterday took multiple expatriates into custody after they were discovered to have been running a food delivery 'café' in a space above a Hulhumalé garage.
Immigration revealed that a search was carried out following a tip-off, and that the expatriates were in the process of dismantling the café when officers arrived on scene.
The location recently was the subject of public concern as well.
In light of this, eight foreigners from the café and three from the garage were detained, Immigration said.
Immigration further said that the search was also aided by information received via the "Immigration Watch" portal introduced on Wednesday, which allows anyone to report foreigners who violate the law.
Apart from such tips, Immigration says that the portal can also be used to file any type of complaint regarding Immigration services in general. The platform, which is available on the Imuga website and runs round the clock, also allows issues to be reported anonymously.
Currently, Immigration is cracking down on expatriates running businesses despite it being illegal in the country. The recent raid operations saw 120 expatriates being detained and such businesses being shut shown.
Authorities also raided two local markets over two different times and apprehended foreigners manning the stalls there. Other areas targeted include small retail stores, takeaway coffee shops and spas being operated as prostitution fronts.
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