President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced the launch of a nationwide operation, commencing tomorrow, to identify and prevent unlicensed businesses, a large number of which are reportedly operated by expatriates in the Maldives.
Addressing residents of F. Nilandhoo, the President explained that the initiative will focus on identifying and closing unlicensed businesses operated by expatriates, ensuring that all economic activities are conducted in accordance with the law, and repatriating undocumented expatriates.
The President noted that previous administrations had taken limited concrete measures to address the longstanding challenges posed by undocumented expatriates and unlicensed businesses. In contrast, he highlighted that his Administration has identified 178,982 undocumented expatriates to date and has successfully facilitated the repatriation of more than 8,000 individuals in recent months.
President Dr Muizzu described drug abuse and gang-related crime as two other pressing challenges for the country. He observed that these issues have persisted for years due to vested interests, but assured citizens that his Administration is determined to addressing them with transparency and without interference in the judiciary.
In this regard, the President referred to recent judicial developments, including rulings related to the 130 kg drug bust, as well as the enactment of the Prevention of Gang and Other Serious Offences Act. He further noted that amendments to the Drug Act are currently being drafted and will be submitted to Parliament in the upcoming session.
Reaffirming his Administration’s stance, President Dr Muizzu stressed that matters concerning public safety, law, and order will be addressed decisively, and that the Government will remain steadfast in upholding the rule of law in all its undertakings.
