Maldives Immigration has been receiving complains that foreign nationals are not staying within the confines of the permit granted or the conditions attached to the permit. Many such complains involve tourist resorts and other businesses utilizing foreign nationals to perform music and photography without obtaining proper visas. In concerning the matter, several cases have been investigated and legal actions have been taken on sixty foreign nationals for the violation of Immigration law.
It is a huge concern that the livelihood of local artists in these professions are being adversely effected by the matter. Thus, we inform the businesses to refrain from engaging foreign nationals in performing music and photography, without obtaining necessary approvals. Strict penalties will be imposed for those in violation of Immigration law and we urge all parties to refrain from such activities that affect the future of local artists.