Maldives to Establish Permanent Support Centre for Human Trafficking Victims in Male'

The Ministry of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology is working to establish a permanent facility in the capital, Male’, dedicated to the protection and rehabilitation of human trafficking victims. The initiative aims to replace the current reliance on temporary accommodations and rented spaces with a centralized hub for comprehensive care. Speaking on PSM News’s “Raajje Miadhu” programme, Minister of State Dr. Abdulla Phairoosch explained that while temporary shelters in Gulhifalhu and Himmafushi have provided essential medical and psychological aid, logistical hurdles have made it difficult to maintain consistent support services outside the capital. Currently, the government often utilizes guesthouses or rented properties in Male’ to house victims and record legal statements. The proposed centre is envisioned as a one-stop facility consolidating medical care, psychological counseling, legal aid, and secure shelter under one roof. Dr. Phairoosch emphasized that victim safety and protection will be the guiding principles of the facility, with research and planning currently underway to determine the most viable implementation strategy. Beyond infrastructure, the State Minister highlighted the persistent exploitation of expatriate workers in the Maldives. He identified the illegal retention of passports, non-payment of wages, and substandard working conditions as critical issues that continue to plague the foreign workforce. One of the most significant challenges in combating these crimes is the difficulty of securing convictions. Dr. Phairoosch noted that many victims prioritize returning home over pursuing lengthy legal battles. Often, once unpaid wages are recovered, workers opt to leave the country immediately, leaving law enforcement without the witness testimony and physical evidence required to prosecute traffickers. While acknowledging that these obstacles are common globally, the Minister stressed the necessity of developing a more robust legal framework. He advocated for a system that allows the state to advance prosecutions based on alternative evidence, ensuring that traffickers are held accountable even when victims are unable or unwilling to testify.