The government, under the leadership of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, has decided to compile and publicise a list of companies that neglect their responsibilities towards migrant workers. This move aims to address the persistent issue of illegal expatriates in the nation.
The decision, reached after deliberations by the Cabinet, seeks to penalise employers who fail to uphold their obligations towards their foreign workers. The President’s Office confirmed that additional actions will be implemented should these issues recur.
The recent Cabinet meeting, which resulted in this resolution, was based on a paper submitted by the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology. This ministry is currently spearheading various initiatives to combat illegal immigration, including special raid operations conducted by Maldives Immigration. Over the past month, these efforts have led to the detention and pending deportation of more than 100 expatriates working illegally in the country.
Immigration officials reported that over 2,000 illegal expatriates have been deported in the past eight months. This surge in enforcement underscores the government’s determination to resolve the challenges posed by illegal immigration.
In addition to the publicising of negligent employers, the Cabinet outlined several other measures to address the issue of illegal expatriates:
1. Database Compilation: The creation of a comprehensive database, which will include identification information and fingerprints of all expatriates residing on inhabited islands, resorts, industrial islands, and agricultural islands.
2. Regulation Programme: Implementation of a regulation programme aimed at legalising the status of expatriates living illegally in the Maldives. The programme will also facilitate Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) for those who wish to return to their countries of origin.
3. Strict Legal Action: Auditing and enforcing strict legal measures against businesses operated illegally by expatriates, which impede local youth employment opportunities.
4. Employment Act Amendments: Fast-tracking the proposal of necessary amendments to the Employment Act, aiming to find a long-term solution to the illegal expatriate issue.
In a bid to engage the public in this crackdown, Immigration has also launched the ‘Immigration Watch’ portal. This platform enables anonymous reporting of complaints about immigrants living and working illegally in the Maldives.
The recent actions taken by the government reflect a comprehensive approach to tackle illegal immigration while safeguarding the rights and opportunities of local citizens. The publication of negligent employers marks a significant step in ensuring accountability and fostering a more transparent and regulated labour market in the Maldives.
