Immigration accused of violating foreigner’s rights during attempted deportation; case closed after release

A foreigner who filed a civil suit against Maldives Immigration over alleged illegal arrest and attempted deportation has withdrawn the case after Immigration lifted the measures taken against him and released him.

The judicial review case was filed on behalf of Kanakpon Tawongna, who was arrested during a warrantless Immigration raid on December 11, 2025 while he was cooking with friends. At the time, Lavendish Salon and Spa, where he worked, had been closed for repairs.

According to the lawsuit, Kanakpon was detained at the Heathrow Detention Center under Article 21(c) and (d) of the Immigration Act and deportation proceedings were initiated before he had committed any offence and after his residence permit was revoked. The filing states he was illiterate in English and was made to sign a statement without an interpreter and without his sponsor present, depriving him of his legal rights in violation of the law.

The plaintiff submitted a withdrawal form on the 12th of last month, following the exchange of statements in the Civil Court. He said he was withdrawing the case because Immigration had lifted all measures against him and restored his freedom.

There was no objection from the state and no legal barrier preventing withdrawal.  

Civil Court Judge Aishath Azfa Abdul Ghafoor formally declared the case withdrawn on 21 September 2026.