News Desk
MALE’, Maldives — In a striking twist, Maldives Immigration is set to mark its diamond jubilee in just three days, but the celebrations are overshadowed by the abrupt sacking of its chief amid a corruption scandal. Mohammed Shamman Waheed, the Controller General of Immigration, was abruptly dismissed on Thursday amid a mounting corruption probe. The move follows allegations tying Shamman to a police investigation into employees accused of extorting money from foreign workers—a scandal shaking the foundations of Maldives Immigration.
Shamman, a 14-year veteran of the Immigration Service, was appointed Controller General on November 19, 2023. His tenure was cut short as reports surfaced implicating him in systemic misconduct. Police claim some immigration staff exploited their positions to prey on vulnerable foreign workers, a charge that has led to three arrests. While details remain scarce, authorities have confirmed that Shamman now faces charges linked to the case.
The police offered little beyond a brief statement, but President Dr. Mohammed Muizzu acted quickly. Known for swift and decisive responses to corruption, Muizzu has made a habit of purging officials under suspicion—a pattern some view as a political strategy to bolster his administration’s image.
This isn’t the first time Shamman’s career has been marked by controversy. He was previously fired during the tenure of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih after openly supporting ex-President Abdullah Yameen, a divisive figure in Maldivian politics. That dismissal was later ruled illegal by the Employment Tribunal in 2022, leading to Shamman’s reinstatement and rapid ascent to his now-abandoned role as Controller General.
The controversy surrounding Shamman underscores a broader, systemic issue within Maldives Immigration. Corruption allegations have plagued the agency for years, dating back to the tenure of former Controller General Mohamed Anwar, when rumors of human trafficking and misconduct ran rampant. The department’s reputation remains tainted, highlighting the challenge of rooting out entrenched corruption.
The timing of Shamman’s dismissal comes as the government intensifies its campaign against illegal immigration. Over 5,000 undocumented workers have been deported under Muizzu’s administration in what officials describe as a sweeping effort to regulate the nation’s foreign labor force. For a country whose economy depends heavily on tourism and migrant workers, these allegations cast a troubling shadow on its ability to manage immigration ethically and effectively.
Shamman’s sudden fall from grace adds another chapter to a career marked by resilience and controversy. Whether he can stage yet another comeback is uncertain. For now, the spotlight remains on the ongoing investigation and the troubling questions it raises about the governance of Maldives Immigration.
