Immigration Chief Shamaan: Paying for a Visa Does Not Legalize Foreigners

Controller General of Immigration Mohamed Shamaan has reiterated that merely paying for a visa does not confer legal immigrant status on foreign nationals. This statement follows a recent crackdown on foreigners involved in activities detrimental to public interest in the Maldives.

In a post on X, Shamaan asserted that the authorities will revoke the permissions granted to foreigners who fail to adhere to Maldivian laws and regulations, emphasizing that such individuals can be expelled from the country. "Payment up to the visa issued and the fact that the person is a regular person cannot be concluded," Shamaan stated, underscoring the need for compliance with local laws.

Shamaan's remarks come after immigration authorities decided to deport a group of foreigners involved in a violent altercation in Male' City on Wednesday night. According to officials, six foreign nationals, aged between 27 and 40, have been detained and will be deported with their visas revoked. The incident, which occurred on Asrafee Magu, resulted in two individuals requiring treatment at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and five others being taken into police custody.

The Maldivian government has intensified its efforts to identify and deport illegal immigrants. Over the past eight months, more than 2,000 foreign nationals have been deported as part of this crackdown. Shaman emphasized that law enforcement agencies under President Mohamed Muizzu's administration are committed to fulfilling their legal responsibilities in this regard.

The crackdown highlights the government's stringent stance on maintaining public order and ensuring that all foreign nationals in the Maldives comply with local laws. The deportations are part of broader efforts to manage the country's immigration system and address issues related to illegal immigration.