A coordinated enforcement operation led by the Immigration Department has resulted in the arrest of 10 foreign nationals for illegal employment during a targeted raid in the Hiyaa Flats area of Hulhumale’.
The operation, conducted by a special inter-agency task force, saw immigration officers, police, and officials from the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology question and search 95 foreign nationals suspected of violating labour and residency regulations.
The crackdown is part of an ongoing nationwide campaign to identify and shut down illegal foreign-run businesses, particularly in the food and hospitality sectors. Authorities have confirmed that all 10 individuals arrested were employed without proper work permits and are currently facing legal proceedings.
Over the past year, similar operations have led to the inspection of 150 establishments, with 66 found to be in violation and subsequently closed. The government has also launched a dedicated online portal to allow the public to report suspected cases of illegal foreign-run businesses.