President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that 83 massage parlors have been closed so far, as part of ongoing efforts to stop businesses operated illegally by foreigners.

Speaking at a meeting held last night at Rehendhi School for the residents of Hulhumalé Phase One, the President stated that the issue of massage parlors operating under the guise of salons, in ways that do not align with Islamic principles, has always been a recurring topic.

He further noted that while all governments have always claimed to take this matter very seriously and reports of these establishments being raided and closed are heard, their number has never decreased but rather increased.

"We initiated this work with a new focus, or rather, with increased effort and resources, through a task force comprising three relevant agencies—Immigration, the Ministry of Economic Development, and the Police—at a very fast pace starting December 9th. In the period from December 9th to December 21st, 83 massage parlors have been closed," the President stated.

The President emphasized that never in the history of the Maldives have so many massage parlors been closed, and previously, the usual course of action was to issue warnings or take minor measures. He added that with this government's initiative, some individuals have been arrested, and others are in the process of being deported.

With significant public concern, efforts to stop businesses run by foreigners are also proceeding at a high speed. The President noted that in the past three weeks alone, 56 such businesses have been closed.