The Maldives Immigration has announced plans to deport a French family that has been living in the country illegally for over a decade. Immigration Controller Mohamed Shamaan confirmed that the family, residing in Thaa atoll Veymandoo, has violated immigration laws and overstayed their visas.
How the Case Came to Light
According to Shamaan, the six-member family was reported to the Immigration Watch portal on July 18, prompting authorities to investigate. The family had entered the Maldives on tourist visas but stayed beyond the allowed three-month period, ultimately settling in different islands over the years.
The father of the family was summoned to immigration authorities on October 23. However, deportation was delayed as their passports had expired, requiring new travel documents to be issued.
Immigration's Efforts to Resolve the Case
Shamaan stated that the Maldives Immigration, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is working to deport the family as soon as their documents are ready. He emphasized that no one would be permitted to remain in the Maldives in violation of the Immigration Act.
“The government will assist with the deportation process once the necessary documents are in place, but we will not determine a destination for the family,” Shamaan said in a statement.
Challenges Faced by Local Authorities
The Veymandoo Council revealed that efforts to regularize the family’s immigration status had been ongoing for years. Rashwan Adam, the council president, explained that the issue had been raised in meetings with the police, Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), and the Ministry of Homeland Security. However, progress stalled due to the large fines the family would have to pay for overstaying illegally.
Despite these challenges, the council has coordinated with the relevant authorities to address the situation. Rashwan confirmed that deportation was the only viable resolution.
A Life in Transition
People familiar with the family shared that the couple converted to Islam and initially moved to the UK before relocating to the Maldives. Over the past 12 years, they lived on several islands, including Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo, Laamu atoll, and Thaa atoll Thimarafushi, before settling in Veymandoo.
The family’s prolonged illegal stay has raised questions about oversight and enforcement of immigration laws in the Maldives. Officials are now addressing the situation to ensure compliance with national regulations.
What Happens Next?
The family is expected to leave the Maldives once their travel documents are issued. Authorities have confirmed that the deportation process will proceed without delay, reinforcing the government’s commitment to upholding immigration laws.
