he Maldives Immigration has conducted an inspection of the Malé local market following complaints that the area was being dominated by foreign vendors. The operation was launched in response to a tip-off received through the authority’s whistleblower platform, ‘Immigration Watch.’
Immigration officials dispatched a taskforce to the local market early Tuesday morning, inspecting market stalls and docked vessels in the area. The operation continued until midday and involved thorough checks of individuals working and residing in the market vicinity.
In a statement, Immigration confirmed that 148 expatriates were inspected during the operation, resulting in the apprehension of 22 male and one female migrant for residing in the Maldives without proper documentation.
The issue of foreign vendors operating in the local market is not new, with reports of irregular migrants being active in the area surfacing in the past. Immigration has previously conducted similar operations to address the issue.
Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusan recently reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving the problem of illegal migration within three years. The minister emphasized that the objective of Immigration’s operations is not solely deportation but also providing undocumented migrants with opportunities to legalize their status and secure legitimate employment.
Immigration’s efforts highlight ongoing challenges related to irregular migration and the government’s focus on restoring compliance within the country’s labor market. The authority has urged the public to report any irregular activities through its whistleblower platform, ensuring swift action against violations.
As the government continues to tackle the issue of undocumented migrants, the recent operation underscores the importance of maintaining regulatory control in key areas like the local market, which serves as a hub for both local vendors and expatriates.
