A non-national who initiated a civil lawsuit against Maldives Immigration for purported unlawful detention and attempted expulsion has retracted the case after Immigration revoked the actions taken against him and set him free.

The case for judicial review was initiated on behalf of Kanakpon Tawongna, who was detained during an immigration raid without a warrant on December 11, 2025, while he was cooking with friends. At that moment, the Lavendish Salon and Spa, where he was employed, was undergoing repairs and was closed.

The lawsuit states that Kanakpon was held at the Heathrow Detention Center under Article 21(c) and (d) of the Immigration Act, and deportation actions were begun before he committed any crime and following the revocation of his residence permit. The document claims he could not read or write in English and was compelled to sign a statement without an interpreter and with his sponsor absent, denying him his legal rights contrary to the law.

The plaintiff filed a withdrawal form on the 12th of the previous month, after the exchange of statements in the Civil Court. He stated he was dropping the case since Immigration had removed all restrictions on him and granted him his freedom back.

The state raised no objections and there were no legal obstacles to withdrawal.

Civil Court Judge Aishath Azfa Abdul Ghafoor officially announced the case's withdrawal on 21 September 2026.