The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade has ordered the closure of 37 businesses as part of a nationwide crackdown on illegal expatriate run enterprises, signalling a renewed push to enforce compliance with economic and immigration laws.
The enforcement drive is being carried out by the National Taskforce on Combating Illegal Expatriate Operations and Businesses, which brings together officials from the economic and homeland security sectors, alongside the Maldives Police Service and immigration authorities.
According to the ministry, enforcement activity has increased markedly in recent weeks. Between late November and mid December, authorities received 252 public reports and carried out inspections at 98 business establishments across the country. Most of the closures were linked to violations of economic regulations, while a smaller number involved breaches of other applicable laws. Eight businesses were later permitted to resume operations after addressing the issues identified during inspections.
The ministry said the campaign is focused on two common forms of malpractice. These include the use of Maldivian citizens as proxy owners to circumvent legal ownership requirements, and expatriates operating businesses in 34 sectors that are legally reserved for Maldivian nationals.
Officials said investigative agencies are working closely with ministry teams to uncover concealed business arrangements that breach the Foreign Investment Act. The ministry also stressed the importance of public cooperation, encouraging citizens to report suspected illegal activity through designated hotlines, the ministry’s website, or the Immigration Watch platform.
The ministry acknowledged the role played by the public in supporting enforcement efforts, noting that community reporting has been key to identifying unlawful operations and strengthening regulatory oversight nationwide.
