The Labour Relations Authority (LRA) of the Maldives has launched an investigation into allegations of unpaid wages by 55 expatriate workers who staged a protest near the official residence of the President, Mulee’aage, on Saturday.
A total of 38 Indian and 17 Bangladeshi nationals were taken into Immigration custody following the incident. Videos circulating on social media show the police dispersing the protesters from Mulee’aage to the vicinity of Majeedhiya School. The Maldives Police Service confirmed that officers attended the scene in response to reports of the protest.
According to the authorities, the LRA is working collaboratively with Immigration to investigate the workers’ claims of rights violations. The inquiry is being conducted at the Immigration Detention Centre to determine the validity of the allegations and ensure that due process is followed.
The Maldives authorities have reiterated their commitment to enforcing compliance with Maldivian laws and regulations by all expatriate workers under the permits issued to them.
In a separate incident, local media reported unrest involving a group of foreign nationals at Artificial Beach on Friday. Investigations into this incident are also ongoing.
