Maldives Immigration has received 277 reports of unlawful activities via the newly launched ‘Immigration Watch’ platform, less than a month since its introduction. The platform, which became operational on 17th July, was established to enable the public to report illegal activities involving expatriate workers.
A spokesperson from Maldives Immigration confirmed to local media outlet Sun on Sunday that the agency had received a total of 277 reports through the platform so far, with many of the reports being submitted anonymously. The reports have led to multiple raids conducted by Maldives Immigration, uncovering several instances of unlawful activity, including the preparation and packaging of food items for sale in dilapidated houses. During these operations, a number of undocumented workers were taken into custody.
The introduction of ‘Immigration Watch’ is part of a broader government initiative to tackle the longstanding issue of illegal immigration in the Maldives. At the platform’s launch, the Controller General of Immigration, Mohamed Shamaan Waheed, emphasised the importance of community engagement in addressing illegal migration, noting that the platform empowers citizens to play a direct role in reporting and curbing such activities.
Illegal immigration presents numerous challenges for the Maldives, particularly in terms of social and economic stability. The presence of undocumented workers can strain public resources, contribute to unfair labour practices, and undermine legal employment opportunities for local citizens. Additionally, the illegal status of such workers often places them in vulnerable positions, where they are more susceptible to exploitation, unsafe working conditions, and other forms of abuse.
The unchecked influx of undocumented expatriates can also lead to overcrowding in certain areas, putting pressure on housing, healthcare, and other essential services. Moreover, the existence of a shadow economy driven by illegal workers can distort the formal economy, leading to issues such as tax evasion and the proliferation of unregulated businesses.
Platforms like ‘Immigration Watch’ are crucial tools in the fight against illegal immigration. By providing a secure and accessible way for the public to report suspicious activities, such platforms enhance the capacity of immigration authorities to identify and address violations in a timely manner. The anonymity offered by ‘Immigration Watch’ encourages more people to come forward with information, thereby increasing the effectiveness of enforcement operations.
The reports generated through ‘Immigration Watch’ have already led to tangible results, with Maldives Immigration carrying out targeted raids and detaining undocumented workers as part of their ongoing efforts to regulate the expatriate workforce. These actions demonstrate the government’s commitment to restoring order and ensuring that all expatriates in the Maldives are documented and working legally.
The success of ‘Immigration Watch’ in its early days signals a promising future for the platform as a key component of the Maldives’ broader strategy to manage and control immigration effectively. As the government pushes forward with its plans, platforms like ‘Immigration Watch’ will undoubtedly play an integral role in maintaining the integrity of the country’s immigration system.
