Undocumented French family flown out of Maldives

The French family of seven living in Th. Veymandoo without proper visa documents have been flown out of the country, said Immigration on Tuesday.

The Muslim family, which had lived in Maldives for over 12 years, reportedly came to the attention of Maldives Immigration on July 12 last year. Following an investigation, the agency decided to sent the family back.

Immigration confirmed to Mihaaru News that the family was sent out of the country after the news outlet published an article claiming authorities were unable to send the family back. According to the outlet, this claim was made after multiple failed attempts to seek an update about the family within last month and this month.

Mihaaru reported that the outlet's claim prompted a call from Immigration's media official, who detailed that the family was flown out on April 25. However, Mihaaru said the media official has claimed there was no update even when asked after April 25.

It is yet unclear which country the family was sent to.

The family's head, believed to be the father of the unit, had told Immigration why they live in Maldives and wanted residency in the country, when summoned, the agency's previous controller, Shamaan Waheed said at the time.

However, when directed towards the Foreign Ministry, the family noted difficulties in the required process and requested to leave the Maldives, Immigration said.

The man, who reverted to Islam and changed his name to Saeed, first entered Maldives on a tourist visa. He then returned to France and came back to Maldives in 2013 as a fire fighter on a wok visa. His wife and two children came to the country on a tourist visa at the time. Despite receiving a permit to stay for three months, they reportedly never renewed that visa.

Saeed had a valid visa to stay in the Maldives until 2019. However, he still worked in the Maldives in violation of the country's immigration laws. Because of this, he was advised to change his sponsor company, but he had refused to do so despite it being offered by the company, Immigration also said.

The family first stayed in Gdh. Thinadhoo. Later on, they went to Laamu atoll and finally moved to Th. Thimarafushi. However, they relocated to Veymandoo claiming extremism in Thimarafushi and stayed there for six years. The couple conceived three more children during their time in the Maldives, of which two were born in Veymandoo.

According to the Immigration Act, individuals who overstay their visa would only be allowed to leave after they pay off their fine, with the penalty starting at MVR 15,000. After a certain duration, the legal department reviews the case and deports the individuals.

The Controller General of Immigration has no authority to reduce or write off this fine.