Immigration Warns Expats: Don’t Travel Abroad Without a Valid Work Visa

Maldives Immigration has warned expatriate workers not to travel abroad without ensuring that a valid work visa is stamped in their passport. The advisory comes as the government intensifies its crackdown on foreigners living and working in the country illegally.

The warning coincides with a special nationwide operation being carried out jointly by the Ministry of Interior, Maldives Immigration, and the Maldives Police Service. The operation targets expatriates conducting unauthorized business activities and residing in the Maldives without valid documentation.

Authorities emphasized that those found in violation of Maldivian laws will be deported without being given second chances. Over 6,076 foreign nationals have already been repatriated under the ongoing efforts.

Immigration further stated that resolving the expatriate issue is a high-priority task for the government. While the current operation is focused in Malé, data collection and enforcement measures are also underway in other inhabited islands, resorts, industrial zones, and islands leased for agricultural purposes.

Expats are urged to check their visa status and remain compliant to avoid legal consequences.