The Maldives is working to shut down businesses operating illegally.
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According to media reports, the Maldives has deported 186 foreigners, including 43 Indians, accusing them of visa violations and drug crimes.
The largest number of deportees were people from Bangladesh. At least 83 Bangladeshis were deported, followed by 43 Indians, 25 Sri Lankans and eight Nepalis. The date of their deportation is unclear, Male-based news outlet Adhadhu reported.
The deportations come as the Maldives works to shut down businesses operating illegally.
Homeland Security Secretary Ali Ihusan said at a press conference on Tuesday that the department is working with the Economic Department to take action against illegal businesses operating under various names.
The minister noted that this includes both registered and unregistered businesses. Interior Minister Ihusan said such businesses include those run by foreigners rather than registered owners.
Ihusan said the interior ministry was working to shut down such businesses and deport foreigners who run them.
A law was enacted in December 2021 that allows the termination of the registration of a business if the registrar has sufficient evidence to believe that profits are earned directly or indirectly by foreigners.
Immigration Director Shamaan Waheed said 186 foreigners found guilty of crimes have been deported from the Maldives.
He said the Immigration Department detained several people in an operation to find foreign workers who had committed criminal offences, and those with valid documents and passports were deported.
Shanahan said immigration and police were conducting raids two to three times a week. He added that the actions were not targeting any particular group.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
