A foreigner attempting to depart Maldives from Velana International Airport has been detained on suspicions of Human Trafficking.
Maldives Immigration said the man was detained as he attempted to leave the country with the passport of a woman who he claims was his wife. The woman, whom he arrived in Maldives with under the guise of spending a holiday, was not present with him during departure.
A law against Human Trafficking was ratified in 2013 due to the increasing issues of foreigners being tricked into coming to the Maldives with false promises of employment.
Last month, a special portal was established with the assistance of the United Nations Organization for Migration, through which reports of human trafficking can be made to the police efficiently.
