Fine, passport seize for local 'pimps', minister says
The minister said that if it is found that foreigners are being employed illegally or exploited, action will be taken against the locals.
Homeland Minister Ali Ihsan has said that action will be taken against those who are illegally employing foreigners in human trafficking and sex trafficking.
The Minister was responding to questions from journalists at a joint press conference held by three ministries on the issue of foreigners and food security on Thursday.
The task force set up to find a permanent solution to the problem of illegal immigrants is raiding massage parlours, arresting and deporting foreign prostitutes.
However, no action has been taken against any Maldivian involved in human trafficking and such businesses.
When asked what action is being taken against those who are doing such things, the minister said that from Thursday onwards, action will be taken against Maldivians who lead such businesses.
Ihsan further noted that:
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Prostitution is conducted in massage parlours that are registered as salons; from Thursday, the task force will close any place where such activities are noticed
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If doing any activities related to prostitution, the persons will be charged and investigated as human trafficking cases
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The Ministry will take necessary action through the task force as soon as possible
The minister said that if it is found that foreigners are being employed illegally or exploited, action will be taken against the locals.
"We will start taking the measures from Thursday. We will impose fines of up to MVR 50,000 and confiscate passports,” the minister said.
