Maldives Immigration has shut down five additional spa establishments in Malé City as part of an ongoing operation targeting illegal employment and undocumented expatriate workers.

In a post, Maldives Immigration confirmed that inspections were carried out at 17 spa and salon premises in the capital, during which one expatriate was taken into custody. As a result of the operation, five establishments were ordered to close for violations related to immigration and labour regulations.

Immigration authorities confirmed that a number of undocumented expatriates were also brought into custody during the operation. Further investigations are underway to determine compliance with employment permits and business licensing requirements.

According to Maldives Immigration, the latest enforcement action is to crackdown on illegal employment practices, particularly within the spa and salon sector, which has been identified as a high-risk area for regulatory breaches.

The authority revealed that a total of 8,609 undocumented expatriates have been deported from the Maldives over the past two years as part of sustained enforcement efforts.

Maldives Immigration has reiterated its commitment to strengthening regulatory compliance and urged businesses to ensure all foreign workers are legally employed in accordance with national laws.