News Desk, Kolkata : The Maldives marked 43 individuals from India as ‘offenders’ and deported them, accusing them of engaging in illegal business activities within the country. According to local media reports, this action extended beyond Indian nationals, with a total of 186 foreigners from 12 different countries being expelled by the Maldivian government. Allegations have been made against them for conducting illegal businesses in the country.
Interestingly, among those deported, not a single Chinese national was found. The new President of the Maldives, Mohamed Muzjju, is known for his pro-China stance and anti-India sentiments. Analysts speculate that this move by his government does not come as a surprise, considering the geopolitical dynamics in the region. Bangladeshis make up the majority of those expelled, with 83 individuals sent back to their homeland. Additionally, 25 Sri Lankans and 8 Nepalis have also faced deportation, although the exact dates of their departure remain unknown.
The Maldives’ Minister of State alleges that these foreign nationals maintained earnings in various bank accounts in their respective countries, implying that they were involved in illicit businesses in the Maldives. The Homeland Security Minister, Ali Ihusan, disclosed that these unauthorized businesses were operating under different names. As a result, a joint effort has been initiated to shut down these illicit operations, leading to the deportation of 43 Indians and a total of 186 foreign nationals.
The Maldivian government claims that in many cases, these foreign nationals registered businesses in the name of Maldivian citizens. After registration, they continued their business operations beyond the registered areas. In several instances, the proceeds from these illegal businesses were allegedly deposited into the personal accounts of these foreigners. In response, the authorities are taking steps to halt such activities, and the recent deportations are part of this broader initiative.
In an effort to curb such practices, the government has introduced a law that will come into effect from December 2021. This law empowers authorities to shut down businesses if they believe that a foreigner is directly or indirectly profiting from any business activity. The recent deportations, involving 186 individuals, highlight the government’s commitment to enforcing this new law. Notably, among the deported individuals, none are Chinese nationals, shedding light on the diplomatic complexities in the region.
President Muzjju’s administration has consistently signaled its alignment with China and its reluctance to let any other country influence the Maldives’ foreign policy. The strategic importance of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean region makes it a crucial player in China’s expansion plans. Muzjju’s clear pro-China stance since taking office further emphasizes the significance of the Maldives in China’s regional strategy.
This recent episode of deportations not only reveals the Maldivian government’s crackdown on illicit businesses but also underscores the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean. The absence of Chinese nationals among the deported individuals adds an intriguing dimension to the story, hinting at the nuanced diplomatic relations at play. As the Maldives takes steps to secure its interests and enforce its new business laws, the region watches closely, aware of the broader implications on geopolitical alignments in the Indian Ocean.
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