The Immigration Department has ordered the closure of three salons and spas in Malé following inspections conducted as part of an operation targeting illegal foreign employment.

In a statement shared on social media platform X, the Immigration Department said a task force carried out inspections at ten salons and spas in the capital last night.

As a result of the operation, three establishments were found to be in violation of immigration and employment regulations and were subsequently ordered to close.

The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to address the employment of illegal foreign workers, particularly within spas and massage parlours.

In addition to the inspections, Immigration officials conducted raids on massage parlours on the 10th and 11th of this month.

During these operations, four foreign nationals were arrested on the 10th, followed by the arrest of three more on the 11th.