Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has stated that public support and assistance was vital in combating the issue of illegal immigrants living and working in the Maldives.
Speaking to Miadhu, Minister Saeed said the Ministry was already working to address the issue, but with limited success. He said public support and assistance was key in ensuring these measures were successful.
He said the expatriates live and work here because there is a market for their services. Therefore, he said it was imperative that all check on the employment and visa status of those employees prior to employing them. Minister Saeed added that they cannot be used in illegal trade as well.
Employing illegal immigrants is a punishable offense, with the guilty party being penalized by large sums.
Need public support to resolve illegal immigrant issue: Saeed
