Migrant workers sort and collect garbage in Thilafushi, an island fully reclaimed by dumping garbage into a lagoon. The migrant workers -mostly undocumented- endure toxic smoke and a heavily polluted environment daily. Oftentimes, in instances of accidents or workers who develop serious health conditions do not seek medical care as it may mean their visa status may be reported to the authorities, resulting in potential repatriation or expulsion.
Transparency Maldives conducted outreach activities in Thilafushi to provide with basic information on administrative processes, fees and access to immigration authorities. An exchange fellow from TI- Bangladesh helps us communicate with migrant workers as most cannot speak Dhivehi or English.