The Maldives government has stopped issuing business visas and work permits to Indian expatriates.

The human resources manager of a prominent Maldivian company told RaajjeTV that they have been unable to renew visas of their Indian employees, and that some Indian employees on holiday abroad have been unable to return.

The company official said that the visa issue has been occurring for two weeks now despite business visas usually being issued within three days. Two other companies have also confirmed that they have been unable to provide business visas for experienced Indian nationals needed for their projects.

Maldives Immigration Controller Mohamed Anwar has denied withholding business visas for Indian nationals. He did not confirm whether there have been changes to the visa policy.

Diplomatic ties between Indian and Maldives have been strained since the political turmoil in Maldives began. India has been pressuring the Maldives government to implement the Supreme Court order on February 1 to release nine political prisoners and reinstate 12 opposition MPs.