Maldives Immigration has revealed that the date of deportation for the French family residing in the Maldives without a visa, remains uncertain.

The family of six from France has been living in Veymandoo island of Thaa atoll without valid visas.

When inquired about the deportation of the French family, a media official at the Immigration department told RaajjeMV that the date of deportation for the French family is unclear and that the travel documents required for their deportation have not yet been received.

Immigration also said that a request has now been made through the Foreign Ministry to obtain their passports and that the travel documents have not been received by Immigration.

Immigration earlier revealed that the family had requested citizenship. However, the department said that citizenship would not be granted to foreigners, especially to a foreigner married to a Maldivian.

Immigration Watch received information on 18 July 2024 that the family was living in the Maldives in violation of the Immigration Act. Immigration investigated the matter and summoned the main person involved in the case to the department on 23 October 2024.

Controller General of Immigration Mohamed Shamaan Waheed earlier said that since the family's passports have expired, they are working with the Foreign Ministry to obtain the travel documents needed to deport the family from the Maldives. Shamaan said that they plan to deport them as soon as the family's travel documents are received and that no one will be given the opportunity to stay in the Maldives illegally in violation of the Immigration Act.

The family earns their income by fishing in the Maldives.