Maldives Police Service (MPS) has stated it is on alert for any expatriate protests in the country.
Speaking to PSM News about the activities of MPS amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Chief Superintendent of Police Abdulla Shareef said MPS is closely monitoring the living conditions of expatriates, along with the situation of the locals. He also noted MPS had observed 135 living quarters as containment sites earlier, although no such sites are under observation right now.
Furthermore, Shareef said like the locals, expatriates who gather out in public spaces also violate the guidelines issued by the Health Protection Agency. Stating that the authority has also received reports of expatriates gathering in public spaces to play sports, he said MPS is observant of any possible conflicts which may arise due to these gatherings.
Groups of expatriate workers recently protested in Bodufinolhu, Baa Atoll and in the capital Male’ City over unpaid wages. The government has deported and arrested several expatriates over inflicting violence during the protests.