Controller General of Immigration Mohamed Shamman Waheed has stated that the authority is working to expand its operation to identify illegal immigrants to the atolls. Shamman made the statement during a press briefing held to share the latest details of the ongoing operations of Immigration.
Speaking to the press, Shamman noted that efforts are being made to bring in foreigners living in the Maldives illegally, into the system. He stated that the operation launched to do so is one of the most important steps taken by the authorities to solve the issue of illegal immigrants in the country.
Shamman went onto disclosed that mass inspections were conducted by a team of 211 Immigration officers, where a large number of illegal immigrants were identified. He stated that while some of them were taken into immigration custody and deported, some illegal businesses were given a period of one month to get their businesses registered legally. He added that legal action will be taken against those who fail to register their businesses within the given period.
Shamman went onto say that immigrants living illegally in the capital is attempting to flee to outlying atolls. As such, he noted that the Kulhudhuffushi City Council has reported the authority that illegal immigrants have been moving into the city. As part of Immigration’s efforts, more than 3,300 immigrants living illegally or conducting illegal businesses have been deported from the country.
The government is implementing stringent measures to solve the issue of illegal immigrants in the country. As such, the government is working tirelessly to expand its operations nationwide and solve the issue within three years.