Maldives Immigration has warned of taking legal action against those who recruit and bring expatriate workers under tourist visa.
In a statement, Maldives Immigration stated that they have noticed increasing cases of expatriates being recruited and brought to the country under tourist visa. The statement stated that while this is not something new, Immigration will take strict legal action against parties involved in such activities. The statement went on to explain that those entering the country under tourist visa cannot work and that they will take legal action against the expatriates and the people who facilitate such moves.
Penalties stated under the law for breaking this regulation involves fines up to MVR 50,000 against Maldivians who bring expatriate workers under tourist visa and fines between MVR 15,000-50,000 for expatriates involved in such matters.
It is estimated that there are over 100,000 expatriate workers in the country out of which approximately 20,000 are undocumented workers. Maldives Immigration and Police are conducting special programs to find and deport undocumented foreign workers.