The Maldives government has expelled a total of 186 foreigners from the country, citing various infractions such as visa breaches and involvement in criminal activities, as reported by Male-based news outlet Adhadhu.
Among those deported, Bangladesh accounted for the largest number with 83 individuals, followed by 43 Indians, 25 Sri Lankans, and 8 Nepalis.
While the exact date of deportation remains undisclosed, the move comes amidst ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal businesses operating within the Maldives.
Addressing the issue, Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusan disclosed during a press briefing that concerted efforts are being made in collaboration with the Economic Ministry to tackle illegal enterprises, including both registered and unregistered businesses.
Minister Ihusan emphasised that these operations target businesses operating under foreign ownership, which may be falsely claimed by individuals not listed as the registered owners.
To enforce these measures, a new law enacted in December 2021 provides the authority to terminate the registrations of businesses found to involve foreign individuals profiting from their operations.
Immigration Controller Shamaan Waheed confirmed that the 186 deportations were the result of systematic efforts to address criminal activities among foreign workers.
Immigration detained several people in operations conducted to find foreign workers who committed criminal offences, out of whom those with valid documents and passports were deported, he said.
Immigration and police have been serially conducting raid operations two or three times a week, Shanahan said.
The operations do not target any specific group, he added.
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