The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has announced that local island councils now have access to the online portal designed to tackle illegal immigration, and data collection on foreigners from all islands in the country has officially begun.
Operation Kurangi is a nationwide initiative to gather data on illegal immigrants in the Maldives. The first phase was conducted in Himmafushi and Maafushi in Kaafu Atoll, and the second phase has now been expanded across the country, with Laamu Atoll being the next area of focus. The ministry's team is currently working in the atoll.
Speaking to PSM News, Deputy Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ashraf Mohamed Ali said that all local island councils have been granted access to the online portal, initiating the process of collecting biometrics of foreigners across the islands. He also highlighted that the issue of illegal foreigners is particularly prominent in Gan and Fonadhoo in Laamu Atoll, noting that it is more prevalent in densely populated areas.
The ministry has provided fingerprint machines to the councils and developed a specialised application to facilitate the identification and regularisation of foreigners. The application allows individuals to upload photos of suspected illegal foreigners, providing information about their identity, purpose of visit, and affiliated company.
The government aims to resolve the issue of illegal foreigners within three years. Following data collection through the application, the ministry will begin the regularisation process within one year, collaborating with the Maldives Police Service (MPS) and Maldives Immigration to address the issue effectively.