Authorities Shut Down Illegal Expat Run Businesses in Enforcement Operation

News

Authorities have shut down two establishments and issued notices to several others as part of an enforcement operation targeting businesses being operated unlawfully by expatriates.

Maldives Immigration said nine locations were inspected yesterday to identify businesses operating in violation of the law. Following the inspections, the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade ordered the closure of two businesses found to be operating illegally within the inspected premises. Notices were also issued to a number of other locations.

In a separate operation conducted on Tuesday night, authorities raided massage parlours suspected of operating unlawfully. Four establishments were inspected during the operation, leading to the arrest of four individuals. The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade subsequently issued notices ordering the immediate closure of all four massage parlours.

The ministry reiterated that expatriates are prohibited from operating businesses in sectors classified as exclusionary under the Maldives Investment Act, adding that such illegal operations will be shut down in accordance with the law. It also noted that mechanisms have been established to share information among relevant government agencies to strengthen enforcement against illegal business activities.

The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade has urged the public to report information related to businesses being operated illegally by expatriates. Reports can be submitted through the ministry’s website, via its hotline 3333199 between 8.00 a.m. and 8.00 p.m., or through the Immigration Watch platform. The ministry assured that all reports will be treated confidentially and that the identities of informants will not be disclosed.

Authorities stressed that enforcement operations will continue as part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with national laws and to protect businesses operating legally in the Maldives.