Maldives Police Service has arrested 41 expatriates working at Island Express Pvt. Ltd during a violent protest held today by the workers over several months of unpaid wages. Island Express is the contractor for developing apartment flats for Police and Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) personal at Hulhumale’.
In regard to a previous protest held by expatriate workers, Island Express assured all workers will be paid their 8-month wages latest by July 10. However, during the protest held today workers stated the company failed to pay the total amount for their wages adding they were paid only a small allowance.
During the protest, workers urged their company to pay the 8 month’s wages in full amount. They further urged the company to send them back to their home country.
When police tried to control the area there were unrest between expatriates and the police. According to the police, officers and police vehicles were damaged during the protest in the reclaimed suburb of Hulhumale’. However, with the assistance of an interpreter police has managed to communicate with the protesters and the situation has been brought under control.
