The Labour Relations Authority (LRA) is investigating claims of unpaid wages by 55 expatriate workers who staged a protest near Mulee’aage, the official residence of the President, on Saturday. The Maldives Immigration has confirmed that the protesters, comprising 38 Indian and 17 Bangladeshi nationals, have been taken into Immigration custody following the incident.
Videos circulating on social media showed police dispersing the protestors from Mulee’aage to the vicinity of Majeedhiya School. The Maldives Police Service confirmed that officers attended the scene in response to reports of the protest and subsequently handed over the workers to Immigration authorities.
Officials have stated that the LRA is working in collaboration with Immigration to investigate the workers’ claims of rights violations. The inquiry is being conducted at the Immigration Detention Centre to determine the validity of the allegations and ensure due process is followed.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to enforcing compliance with Maldivian laws and regulations by all expatriate workers under the permits issued to them.
In a separate development, local media reported unrest involving a group of foreign nationals at Artificial Beach on Friday. Investigations into that incident are also ongoing.
