Economic Ministry: Foreign workers holding protests, a planned effort aimed at damaging economy

Ministry of Economic Development has said that foreign workers taking to the streets to hold protests, is a planned effort aimed at damaging the economy.

This follows plans by foreign workers in Malé to demonstrate after the afternoon prayer on Friday, following the recent hike in attacks against them, including two murders.They are being urged by organisers, via SMS, to join the demonstration on Friday.

Economic Ministry said in a statement today that foreigners on Work Visa participating in protests, is a violation of their permit to work in the Maldives.

The ministry urged foreign workers to “refrain from” such activities, and also warned that their Work Visa and permit will be revoked if they attend Friday’s protest.

Information Officer of Department of Immigration and Emigration Hassan Khaleel told Sun Online yesterday that the department has the authority to revoke all permits and deport foreign workers in relation to such activities.

He added that the department takes such matters seriously and will take strict action, and will not give a second chance.

The right to hold peaceful gatherings and protests, meanwhile, is guaranteed in the Constitution to everyone in the Maldives – including foreigners.

Foreign workers have been targeted in attacks almost every night the past week. A foreigner died after being stabbed on Sunday night in Malé, and the body of a foreigner with serious injuries were discovered on Monday in Thoddoo.