Immigration Controller Mohamed Shammaan Waheed has confirmed that the necessary documentation for deporting a French family residing unlawfully in Th. Veymandoo has yet to be received.

The case came to Immigration’s attention on July 12 last year through the 'Immigration Watch' portal, revealing that the family had lived in the Maldives without a visa for approximately 12 years. A decision was then made to deport all seven members of the family.

Shammaan stated that the passports and travel documents required for their deportation have not yet been received, as the request remains lodged with the Consulate of France. He assured that the family would be promptly deported once the necessary documents are obtained. Immigration had initially expected the deportation to take place last month.

When summoned, the head of the family expressed his desire to remain in the Maldives and apply for citizenship. He was advised to approach the Foreign Ministry for the process, which he did. However, due to the complexity of obtaining citizenship, the family ultimately decided to leave the country.

The man, who converted to Islam and adopted the name Saeed, first arrived in the Maldives on a tourist visa before returning in 2013 with a work visa as a firefighter. His wife and two children later joined him on three-month tourist visas.

Shammaan noted that while Saeed held a valid visa until 2019, he was working in violation of immigration laws. He was instructed to change the sponsor company listed on his visa but failed to comply.

"Saeed explained that he moved to the Maldives due to family opposition to his conversion to Islam, though he did not claim any threats. His intention was to obtain citizenship, but after his first interview at the Foreign Ministry, he found the process too complicated and decided to return to France. However, as their passports had expired, we offered assistance in obtaining the necessary documents," Shammaan said.

The family initially resided in GDh. Thinadhoo before moving to Laamu Atoll and later Th. Thimarafushi. Due to concerns about extremist views on the island, they relocated to Th. Veymandoo about six years ago. The couple’s three youngest children were born in the Maldives, with two born in Veymandoo.

According to the Immigration Act, overstaying even by a single day after visa expiration incurs a fine starting at MVR 15,000. After a certain period, cases are referred to the legal department, and offenders are deported. The law does not grant the Immigration Controller the authority to reduce or waive fines.