In a decisive move by Immigration, a French family residing unlawfully in the Maldives for over a decade is set to be deported. The Immigration Controller, Mohamed Shamaan, confirmed that the family of six had been living in the country without valid visas for 12 years, a clear breach of immigration regulations.
The case came to light on July 18th when Immigration Watch received intelligence regarding the family’s illegal status. Following an extensive investigation, Immigration officials summoned the primary individual involved on October 23rd. It was revealed that their passports had expired, prompting collaboration with the Foreign Ministry to secure necessary travel documents for their deportation.
Shamaan emphasized the government’s firm stance on upholding immigration laws, stating unequivocally that no leniency would be afforded to those flouting these regulations. The family will be expelled from the Maldives promptly upon receipt of their travel documentation.
This action forms part of a broader governmental initiative to address illegal expatriate residency within a three-year timeframe. President Mohamed Muizzu has declared that by the end of November, a total of 5,012 illegal expatriates had been deported—a figure surpassing those recorded over the past three years combined. This recent deportation case underscores the administration’s resolute commitment to enforcing immigration laws and maintaining legal residency standards.
