Controller General of Maldives Immigration Mohamed Shamman Waheed has disclosed that the authority has deported more than 3,000 expatriates working and conducting businesses illegally. Those deported also include foreigners who were working in the Maldives with incomplete paperwork.
Speaking to PSM News, Shamman disclosed that as of August 25, a total of 3,322 foreigners were deported from the Maldives. He noted that this is a 64.3% increase compared to the 2,021 foreigners deported from January 1, 2023, to November 16, 2023.
Noting that the expatriates must be kept at the detention centre before deporting them, Shamman stated that the existing detention facility is not the most suitable facility to work at the speed the authority is aiming for. He noted that work is underway to expand the capacity of the facility from being able to hold more than 200 people at a time.
Maldives Immigration has made significant strides in addressing the issue of illegal foreigners, aligning with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's Pro-Maldives vision. The initiative to address illegal immigration was launched by President Dr. Muizzu in July, following Cabinet recommendations.
Joint operations between the Ministry of Homeland Security and Maldives Immigration have led to the detention of several immigrants involved in illegal trade and food production activities that fail to meet food security standards. Efforts are ongoing to deport these individuals.
To tackle the issue of illegal immigrants, the government has introduced a nationwide programme named Operation Kurangi. The operation includes biometric identification procedures aimed at targeting undocumented immigrants and facilitating their deportation through coordinated efforts with relevant embassies. The government aims to solve the issue of illegal immigrants completely within three years.