Ex-AGs offer legal help to undocumented French family in Maldives
The immigration department stated that the family has expressed a willingness to be deported if they are not granted citizenship.
Two former Attorneys General of the Maldives, Dhiyana Saeed and Aishath Azima Shakoor, have announced their decision to provide legal assistance to a French Muslim family residing in the Maldives without valid visas.
The family, consisting of a French couple and their son, entered the Maldives 12 years ago on tourist visas. Over the years, the couple has had two more children, who now live in different islands in the Maldives. However, the family has not renewed their visas during this period.
They are currently residing in Th. Veymandoo.
Dhiyana and Azima, through social media posts, requested information on how to contact the family. Dhiyana later confirmed that contact has been established.
Speaking to Atoll Times on Wednesday, Dhiyana stated that the two younger children were born and raised in the Maldives and are familiar with the local culture. She expressed her intent to provide legal support if required.
“We are interested in this case and will make every effort to assist the family. If legal assistance is needed, we will provide it,” she said.
The immigration department stated that the family has expressed a willingness to be deported if they are not granted citizenship. However, the authorities will not dictate their destination.
