The Home Ministry has said that a group of expatriates to be deported for violating their visa conditions remain in Gaaf Dhaal Thinadhoo island.
The government decided three weeks ago to deport the Bangladeshis for taking part in a protest in front of the museum in Thinadhoo. They were protesting against the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh. The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) began looking into the matter last week.
Controller General of Immigration Shamaan Waheed told Sangu TV that the Bangladeshis have not yet been handed over to Immigration. He said the deportation process would begin once they are in immigration custody.
When Adhadhu requested details regarding the matter, Home Ministry spokesperson Fatimath Rifaath said in a text message that the Bangladeshis were still in Thinadhoo and they were not in detention.
"The necessary arrangements will be made to bring them to Male'," she stated.
The HRCM began investigating the case because it is a right to protest and hold peaceful assemblies.
Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), signed by the Maldives, states that the right to peaceful demonstration must be guaranteed to all, including foreigners.
Transparency Maldives has also expressed concern over the issue and called for the Home Ministry's decision to be overturned.
They also called on the government to accede to the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families and to stop discrimination against foreigners.
