Maldives Immigration and Maldives Police Service conducted a joint operation in Male’ that uncovered numerous market stalls operated without proper authorisation by expatriates. The operation targeted two major market areas in the capital, leading to the detention of many undocumented workers and the closure of several stalls.
The raids took place at two market locations: one on Majeedhee Magu near Villa Mart, and the other on Ameenee Magu near TVM. With most expatriates in the Majeedhee Magu market being taken into custody by Immigration, a majority of the stalls were forced to shut down due to a lack of alternative personnel to operate them. In the Ameenee Magu market, all but one of the stalls were handed over to Immigration. The exception was a single stall where a Maldivian owner was present at the time of the raid.
A bystander at the Majeedhee Magu market reported that the expatriates were detained for lacking proper documentation, thus violating regulations. Police Spokesperson Ahmed Shifan confirmed that 50 expatriates were handed over to Immigration during the operation.
“Today’s operation was conducted at the Local Market and other market areas in Male’, as well as various other locations in the city,” stated the Police. Despite regulations prohibiting foreigners from working as cashiers, it remains a common practice in many market stalls, cafés, restaurants, and shops.
Immigration Controller Mohamed Sham’aan announced that the expatriates detained during the operation will be deported. Among the fifty detained, officials have identified those working without a valid permit and those operating businesses outside their approved line of work.
Sham’aan emphasised that addressing the issue of undocumented expatriates working in the Maldives is a key pledge of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. He assured that Immigration will continue to fulfil its responsibilities in this regard.
Economic Impact of Undocumented Workers Taking Jobs
The presence of undocumented expatriates taking jobs in the Maldives has significant economic implications. Firstly, it undermines the local job market, leading to higher unemployment rates among Maldivian citizens. This situation can exacerbate economic inequality and social tensions, as locals may feel displaced by undocumented workers.
Additionally, undocumented employment practices result in lost tax revenue for the government. Legal workers contribute to the economy through taxes and social security contributions, which support public services and infrastructure. When businesses employ undocumented workers, they often do so to evade these financial obligations, depriving the state of essential funds.
Moreover, the proliferation of undocumented employment can lead to unfair competition among businesses. Companies that adhere to legal employment practices face higher operational costs compared to those employing undocumented workers, which can lead to market distortions and reduced profitability for compliant businesses.
Finally, the exploitation of undocumented workers is a serious concern, as these individuals often work under poor conditions for lower wages, lacking legal protections and benefits. This exploitation not only harms the workers but also sets a negative precedent for labour standards in the country.
Human Trafficking and Undocumented Workers
A significant number of undocumented workers in the Maldives are victims of human trafficking. Traffickers often deceive these individuals with false promises of legitimate employment, only to exploit them in harsh working conditions with little to no legal recourse. Many undocumented workers are subjected to fraudulent recruitment practices, where their passports and travel documents are confiscated, making it difficult for them to leave or seek help.
The Maldives has faced challenges in adequately addressing human trafficking due to limited resources and coordination among various agencies. Addressing these issues through stringent enforcement of labour laws and immigration policies is crucial for safeguarding the economic stability and social cohesion of the Maldives.
The government must continue to strengthen its anti-trafficking efforts to protect vulnerable workers and ensure that all labour practices comply with international standards.
