Aima Construction has dismissed the leaders of a strike by foreign workers at a resort construction site in Bolidhuffaru, and 21 of the workers are now in Immigration detention.
The company’s managing director confirmed the dismissals, stating the workers were fired because they protested. The case has highlighted the limited practical right of expatriate workers to strike in the Maldives, where immigration rules can result in detention and deportation for those who stop work.
The workers had raised concerns over unpaid wages and working conditions. Similar incidents have occurred at other construction and resort sites, with authorities frequently moving protesting expatriates into Immigration custody.
Labour rights groups have long argued that current rules leave foreign workers with little recourse when disputes arise.
