The 2026 Trafficking in Persons report has noted that Maldivian authorities opened no new trafficking investigations for the second year running, made no new prosecutions or convictions for the third year, and identified no victims.
The report flagged official complicity as a significant concern. It specifically mentioned that three immigration officials named in a December 2025 bribery verdict remain in their jobs while reportedly under police investigation.
Maldives has previously been listed in various tiers of the annual US State Department assessment. The findings highlight ongoing challenges in detection, prosecution and victim support despite earlier legislative and institutional reforms.
Civil society groups have repeatedly called for stronger independent oversight of immigration and labour practices.
