Expat prostitutes deported
Minister Ali Ihsan stated earlier this year that 111 massage parlors were operating within Male', many suspected of being fronts for prostitution.
Several foreign nationals involved in prostitution in Male' have been deported.
The arrests and deportations were the result of a joint operation conducted by Maldives Immigration and the Maldives Police Service. The operation, focused on tracking and apprehending foreign nationals engaged in prostitution, is part of a broader governmental effort to curb illegal activities in the capital.
Immigration revealed that in five separate cases, a total of seven female foreign nationals and two men who acted as agents facilitating the prostitution network were taken into custody. Following investigations, five of the women and one male agent were deported, while deportation procedures are underway for the remaining three individuals. Authorities did not disclose the countries of origin of those involved.
This is not the first instance of such deportations. In August, authorities deported three foreign women and another foreign national who also worked as an agent.
The Maldives government has been actively addressing the issue of prostitution and the establishments that facilitate it.
Homeland Minister Ali Ihsan stated earlier this year that 111 massage parlors were operating within Male', many suspected of being fronts for prostitution. Ihsan expressed concern over the growing trend of foreign nationals entering the country on tourist visas, only to be subsequently exploited or engaged in prostitution.
The current protocol for handling foreign nationals involved in such activities involves immediate deportation. Ihsan highlighted that prosecuting foreign nationals under Maldives law is both complex and costly. As a result, deportation is seen as the most efficient and severe punishment available to the government.
Authorities in the Maldives face ongoing challenges in tackling illegal activities linked to human trafficking and unregulated establishments. By prioritizing deportation, officials hope to dissuade the establishment and expansion of such networks in the Maldives.
The Maldives’ government has indicated that it will continue to conduct operations targeting illicit activities involving foreign nationals, as part of its commitment to maintaining public order.
However, Minister Ihsan’s statements also indicate that deeper, systemic issues need to be addressed, possibly requiring stronger visa regulations and heightened scrutiny of establishments operating in Male'.
