Six cafe's in Hulhumale' Phase II have been given notice to shut down owing to violation of hygiene norms and operating without legal permits.

Immigration said yesterday that as part of its efforts to track down illegal immigrants, the task force raided eight cafes operating in Hulhumale' Phase II area on Thursday.

The Economic Ministry, Maldives Police Service, Maldives Food and Drug Authority and Health Protection Agency participated in the operation.

Immigration said that with assistance from the agencies, closure notices were issued to six establishments which were operating illegally and not following hygiene norms. Four foreign nationals who were working in said establishments without a valid visa were detained, Immigration said.

Additionally, following a tip-off about illegal immigrants, the Authority also conducted raids at three locations in Male' on Wednesday. Five men and one woman were taken into immigration custody under the 'Immigration Watch'.