Dozens of expatriate workers were taken into custody on Thursday after staging a protest near Muliaage, the official residence of the President in the capital, Male’. The protest was organized by the workers, who had not been paid for several months, and it involved around 55 expatriates, including 38 Indian nationals and 17 Bangladeshi nationals. According to the Maldives Police Service (MPS), officers were deployed to the scene following reports of the protest, and the workers were subsequently detained by the Immigration Department. The protest highlighted ongoing issues within the country’s labor market, particularly regarding the exploitation and mistreatment of expatriate workers, who play a critical role in sectors such as construction, tourism, and hospitality.

The protestors were demanding the payment of their outstanding wages and improved living conditions, which they claimed had become unbearable due to months of delayed salaries and inadequate accommodation. This incident underscores the persistent struggles faced by the expatriate workforce, who are often subjected to exploitation, poor working conditions, and violations of their labor rights. The Maldives, which relies heavily on foreign workers, has long faced criticism for the exploitation of expatriates, leading to several protests in recent years. In response to such concerns, the current government has implemented measures aimed at better protecting the rights of foreign workers. However, incidents like this protest indicate that challenges remain in ensuring fair treatment and timely payments for expatriates. Authorities are now investigating the matter to determine the cause of the workers' grievances and take necessary actions.