Authorities are investigating the non-payment of salaries to 55 foreign workers who protested in the Green Zone on Saturday.

In a post on X, Immigration Controller Mohamed Shamaan Waheed said the Labor Relations Authority was operating in the detention center.

He said the case is currently being investigated and that action would be taken against the expatriates after the investigation.

"People who reside in the Maldives under the permit issued by the Immigration will not be allowed to violate the laws and regulations made in the Maldives. Such persons will be dealt with under the Immigration Act," he warned.

Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan told Adhadhu that protesting workers claimed their employer had not paid salaries for four months.

But he declined to reveal the name of the company.

There have been previous cases of non-payment of salaries to foreigners working in the Maldives. This has resulted in protests and clashes.

It is a legal offense not to pay salaries to employees, whether they are Maldivians or foreign nationals. However, businesses have rarely been held responsible.