Maldives Immigration has apprehended four individuals attempting to enter the country using passports with counterfeit stamps. The incident took place at Velana International Airport (VIA), and those detained include a 22-year-old, a 25-year-old, a 28-year-old, and a 31-year-old, all of them male. The nationalities of these individuals were not disclosed by Immigration officials.
Addressing the broader issue of illegal immigration, particularly expatriates engaging in unauthorized business activities, has become a top priority for Maldives Immigration. Collaborating closely with the Maldives Police Service, Immigration has initiated special raid operations resulting in the detention of 93 illegal immigrants to date.
The government's approach includes strategic measures to combat illegal immigration comprehensively. Plans are underway to expand these operations to cover all islands nationwide within the next year. Additionally, efforts are being made to centralise immigrant information into a single database, facilitating easier access for authorities. The government aims to completely resolve the issue of illegal immigrants within a three-year timeframe.