TM expresses concern over detention of expatriate workers protesting unpaid wages in Bolidhuffaru

Transparency Maldives has expressed deep concern over the detention and subsequent punitive measures taken against migrant workers at the Bolidhuffaru reef resort construction site, following their peaceful protest over six months of unpaid wages.

Transparency Maldives has revealed that approximately 21 migrant workers were taken into Immigration detention following the recent protest. The organization stated that since the Constitution of the Maldives grants every worker the right to protest and strike, taking retaliatory action against those seeking to protect their rights constitutes a violation of fundamental freedoms. The NGO further called for the immediate release of the detained expatriates and urged the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) and the Labour Relations Authority to investigate whether any human rights violations occurred during this incident.

Police informed the media that the expatriate workers who protested at Bolidhuffaru have been transported to the airport for deportation. While one individual has already departed, police stated that a final decision could not be reached immediately for the remaining group as they refused to board their flights. According to the police, the next steps regarding their status will be determined through coordination between Maldives Immigration and their employing company.