Transparency Maldives Calls for Immediate Release of Detained Foreign Workers Over Unpaid Wages Protest

Transparency Maldives has called for the immediate release of 21 foreign workers who were detained in Bolidhuffushi, Kaafu Atoll, following a protest over unpaid wages. In a statement issued by Transparency, concerns were raised regarding reports that 21 foreign workers involved in a protest at a resort construction site in Bolidhuffushi Fathom have been detained at the Immigration Detention Center. The statement noted that detaining workers for participating in a peaceful protest constitutes a violation of fundamental rights and raises concerns that such actions amount to retaliation against those working to defend their rights. Furthermore, Transparency stated that under the Constitution of the Maldives, every person employed in the country and all workers are granted the freedom to halt work and strike as a form of protest. Consequently, the organization stated that no retaliatory measures, detention, or intimidation should be taken against any worker simply for exercising these rights. In connection with this matter, Transparency Maldives has called on the Maldives Immigration to immediately release the detained workers and ensure that no punishment is given to any worker for exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest. Simultaneously, it has called on the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) to investigate whether any actions violating human rights were taken in the detention of the workers. The organization also called on the Labour Relations Authority (LRA) to promptly investigate the causes of the protest and take necessary measures to protect the rights of the workers. According to assurances provided by the Maldives Police Service, the 21 foreign workers have been taken directly to the airport for deportation. The police stated that decisions regarding the remaining 20 workers who opposed deportation would be made by Immigration and the employers. In this regard, Transparency stated that no worker can be deported for exercising their own rights and called for the immediate cancellation of such decisions.