Over 400 cases reported via Immigration Watch

Maldives Immigration has received over 400 reports via ‘Immigration Watch’ - less than two months after it launched the online platform to report unlawful activities carried out by expatriate workers.

The platform was launched on July 17.

Immigration reported on Wednesday that the agency received 473 reports via the platform, which allows for anonymous reporters, between July 17 and August 26.

The agency said it is investigating 369 of the cases.

It added that it is also in the process of verifying 82 reports.

Maldives Immigration has carried out multiple raids in response to reports lodged via Immigration Watch, many involving the preparation and packaging of food items for sale in dilapidated house.

A number of migrants were taken into custody in the operations.

Speaking at the launch of Immigration Watch, the Controller General of Immigration, Mohamed Shamaan Waheed said that the platform allows for greater community engagement in tackling the issue of illegal migration.

According to Maldives Immigration, the country has deported 3,222 migrants between November 17, 2023 and August 25, 2024.