2 international reporters on tourist visa to be deported

The two international reporters arrested by the authorities for working while on tourist visa will be deported, says Maldives Immigration.

The two AFP reporters - Money Sharma from India and Atish Ravji Patel from the UK were arrested by the authorities last Friday.

Immigration said in a statement issued last Friday night that both Sharma and Patel were arrested for working on a tourist visa.

“As is against the Immigration laws and regulations to work like that after entering the country on a tourist visa, it has been decided they will be deported,” said Immigration in its statement.

Immigration asked that all foreigners who visit Maldives for work respect and adhere to Maldives’ immigration laws and regulations.

The Maldives Police Service in its statement regarding the arrests also advised foreigners to adhere to Immigration laws and obtained visas fitting the purpose of their visit.

“We note that there are currently a number of international reporters working in Maldives. And we welcome reporters who wish to come work in Maldives in the future,” read MPS’ statement.