The Maldives has more than 100,000 migrant workers—comprising almost 25 percent of the islands’ total population. A large number of these migrants are from Bangladesh, and many are undocumented. With numbers of migrants increasing in recent years, authorities have increasingly cracked down on irregular migration, opening a new dedicated detention centre in Hulhamale (outside Malé) in May 2019.
Although employers are legally obligated to provide health insurance, coverage is often minimal and employers are reported to regularly confiscate workers’ papers – making accessing care difficult. On 11 March, the government announced the opening of a dedicated Covid-19 clinic specifically for migrant workers in a preschool near Malé. According to the government’s Covid-19 spokesperson, migrants using the service are not required to show work permits or other forms of documentation.
With increasing numbers of migrants testing positive for Covid-19, living conditions have come under increased scrutiny. On 6 April, authorities announced plans to relocate some 1,500 migrant workers living in areas deemed as too congested. According to the Minister of Economic Development, in some areas more than 25, 30, or even 50 migrants share rooms. Reportedly, the state plans to temporarily move the individuals to housing units in Hulhumale and residences in Gulhifalhu, Kaafu Atol. On 27 April, the country’s Minister of Tourism stated, “Expatriates are also people who provide a service to Maldives, just as Maldivians do. Even under these circumstances, protecting and respecting humanity is the biggest priority for the state. Unless safety can be provided for everyone, neither Maldivians nor foreigners will be able to emerge from this pandemic.”
At the same time, six overcrowded accommodation blocks were placed under quarantine. With police surveillance in place, migrants have been prevented from entering or exiting. Simultaneously, authorities appear to have deported some undocumented Bangladeshi migrants. On 21 April, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that 68 persons had been returned to Bangladesh.
As of 30 April, more Bangladeshi migrants had tested positive for Covid-19 than Maldivian nationals.
- M. Malsa, “Detention Centre for Illegal Immigrants Opens,” The Edition, 11 May 2019, https://edition.mv/news/10077
- Human Rights Watch, “Migrant Workers in Maldives at Added Risk from Covid-19,” 27 March 2020, https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/03/27/migrant-workers-maldives-added-risk-covid-19
- M. Malsa, “State Zeroes in on 200 Overcrowded Quarters for Expatriates,” The Edition, 6 April 2020, https://edition.mv/news/15977
- S. Mohamed, “State to Set-Up New Living Quarters for High-Risk Expats,” The Edition, 27 April 2020, https://edition.mv/news/16405
- A. Shareef, “Police Place Six Expatriate Accommodation Blocks Under Surveillance,” The Edition, 23 April 2020, https://edition.mv/news/16336
- S. Mohamed, “68 Undocumented Bangladeshi Workers Repatriated: Foreign Ministry,” 21 April 2020, https://edition.mv/news/16286
- Dhaka Tribune, “Daily Coronavirus Cases: Bangladeshi Migrants Again Surpass Locals in Maldives,” 1 May 2020, https://www.dhakatribune.com/health/coronavirus/2020/05/01/coronavirus-daily-cases-bangladeshi-migrants-again-surpass-locals-in-maldives
- Migrant Workers in Their Room in the Maldives, (Transparency Maldives, “Police Place Six Expatriate Accommodation Blocks Under Surveillance,” A. Shareef, The Edition, 23 April 2020, https://edition.mv/news/16336)
