18 foreign cashiers to be repatriated

Department of Immigration and Emigration has said that 18 foreigners working illegally as cashiers have been identified, and will be repatriated soon.

The department spokesperson Hassan Khaleel told Sun Online that the efforts began four days ago, and 16 illegal foreign cashiers were identified on the first day alone.

He said that the efforts will continue, but are slowed down by administrative requirements.

Employing foreigners as cashiers was banned effective 1 April 2015 in a move to create more job opportunities for Maldivians.

Many foreigners continue to work as cashiers at shops, cafés, and restaurants despite the ban.

By 8 July 2015, 106 businesses had been fined by Ministry of Economic Development for violating the new regulation.

Deputy Minister of Economic Development Adam Thaufeeg has warned that in addition to the fine, licence will be revoked if businesses continue to violate the regulation.