Male' City Council joins efforts to identify illegal expatriate-run businesses

Male' City Council has joined the widespread efforts to locate illegal expatriate-led businesses in the city.

Community Engagement Officers of the Male' City Council had identified numerous illegally-run expat business locations yesterday and reported them to the Maldives Immigration.

A post by the council on social platform X revealed that the institution located an illegal food business in Machangolhi Annaaruge that was run by expatriates who lack an official permit.

An illegal hotel business situated in Huravee Goalhi, which additionally sold cigarette cartons and energy drinks was also traced down, added the council.

Expatriates preparing food items without a permit in a makeshift kitchen inside a house in Sikka Goalhi located behind the People's Majlis were also identified during the efforts. According to the council, the food prepared in the premise are displayed for sale at the Natural Cafe' in Sosun Magu.

Immigration on Wednesday dispatched over 200 officers for a large operation to identify undocumented immigrants residing in the city. The operation which observed a range of flee attempts concluded with several illegal expatriates taken under Immigration custody.

Since assuming office nine months ago, the government has focused heavily on identifying undocumented expatriates residing in the Maldives. From November 17, 2023, until Sunday this week, over 3,000 expatriates have been deported, and more than 200 locations have been raided as part of these efforts.