Expatriates in the Maldives, who are found violating curfew, will be deported to their respective countries, Maldivian authorities have decided. The Indian Ocean archipelago has a significant expat population; thousands among them are also undocumented. 

After the fourth Covid-19 wave surge swept the country, authorities have imposed strict restrictions, and curfew in some places, in order to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Despite the health guidelines, people are found violating norms, reported Raajje TV.

The Maldivian Police Services and the Ministry of Economic Development are now implementing plans to deport those expatriates who are found violating curfew. Efforts are also underway to move violators to a detention facility in Hulhumale. Thereafter, the legal process for deportation will be started.

Over the past few weeks, the country has been reporting almost 1500 daily coronavirus cases. The death rate also jumped during the same period.

Over 130,000 Bangladeshi nationals in the country have work permits. Officials say, approximately 60,000 among them are still unregularized. In the past months, the government regularized thousands of undocumented workers in a special drive. 

The country’s immigration department has deported over 12,000 undocumented Bangladeshis since the last year. The issue has frequently been raised during bilateral meets between Bangladesh and the Maldives. 

(SAM)