18 expats held after hygiene violations found at large-scale food site

Immigration authorities on Sunday arrested 18 undocumented foreign nationals after searching an accommodation block where food was being prepared and packed on a large scale without proper hygiene standards.

Images released by Maldives Immigration showed food packed in small plastic packets and placed inside paper boxes in a confined area. A cooking stove was also seen inside what appeared to be a bathroom.

The raid, carried out by the Immigration task force, took place in Dilkusha Goalhi.

According to Immigration, officers searched a location used for large-scale food preparation and delivery, as well as four accommodation blocks housing foreigners.

Eighteen individuals were taken into custody for residing in Maldives without valid permits.

Immigration said operations targeting undocumented foreigners are ongoing, and those detained will be deported after processing.