Will not compromise Maldives' border security: Shamaan

Immigration Controller Mohamed Shamaan Waheed has said that regardless of how much criticism or allegations the office faces in their efforts to resolve the issue of illegal expatriates, they would not compromise the security of Maldives' borders.

In a press conference held at the President's Office on Tuesday, Shamaan responded to a question posed by a journalist saying that no expatriate would be detained just for being a foreigner without any basis. If there is an allegation against them, then proper investigations are conducted, and the person in question deported when there is evidence against them.

He assured that no Immigration department will work against professional standards.

From November 17, 2023 till now, over 4300 expatriates have been deported. The government aims to deport 5000 expatriates living and working illegally in the country within a year.

With the deportation of some expatriates, Immigration seniors have been met with heavy criticism on social media.

Shamaan hit back at this, stating that some expatriates, when deported, 'turn into journalists', throwing accusations against the government and of corruption.

He further revealed that deportation of expatriates running illegal businesses in the country often leads to receiving serious threats. However, he asserted that Immigration would remain steadfast in their work, and would not compromise border security in the face of any such coercion.

"People who do businesses and other such things here, once we get them out we also receive many messages and other threats. Secondly, when someone who wants to come to Maldives is denied entrance, Immigration is blamed again," Shamaan said.

"But we will not compromise security. We will not offer that chance at Maldives' borders. Even if we are met with even more accusations tomorrow, we will never compromise border security."