The Maldives deported 43 Indians and 143 other foreigners, accusing them of running “illegal businesses”. There were no Chinese among the deportees.

The Maldives has deported 43 Indians, accusing them of committing crimes, according to Male’ news outlets. Adhaddu. The report stated that the Maldives government expelled 186 foreigners from 12 countries, but did not expel anyone from China.

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.

News of the deportations came after the Maldives Home Ministry said it had taken steps to shut down businesses operating illegally in the country by depositing their earnings into foreigners’ bank accounts. Maldives Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusan said his office was working with the Ministry of Finance to crack down on “illegal businesses” operating under various names. Businesses run by foreigners rather than registered owners also fall within the scope of so-called “illegal businesses,” he said.

“After registering under another name, [they include] Where it operates outside the registry, especially where foreigners deposit Rufiyaa into their personal accounts,” the minister was quoted as saying Adhaddu.

He said his department was working to close such businesses and deport foreigners who run them.

The Male-based news outlet said that if the registrar deems a business to be earning profits directly or indirectly by foreigners, it will be terminated under the law enacted in December 2021.

Maldives Immigration Controller Shamaan Waheed said 186 foreigners had committed crimes and had been deported from the Maldives.

The Maldives government under newly elected President Mohamed Muizou has turned to China. China aspires to gain influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Muizu came to power promising that he would not let any other country influence Maldives’ foreign policy – a reference to India, without mentioning India by name.

After taking office as president, he demanded that India withdraw its troops from the Maldives. After a round of discussions, India agreed to replace the Maldivian troops with civilians.