Maldives Immigration has launched a new application that enables officers to check whether foreign nationals are residing in compliance with local regulations, marking a significant step in modernising immigration services.
Speaking to PSM News, Controller General of Immigration, Mohamed Sham'aan Waheed stated that the previous system relied on manual processes, but efforts are now underway to digitise operations in line with modern practices. The "Immigration Watch" initiative is a key part of this transformation.
Sham'aan explained that the new application allows officers to verify on-site if a foreign national is living within legal boundaries or is undocumented. He said this will be a major improvement in the work.
As part of the modernisation effort, Maldives Immigration also launched an online platform on July 17 to report illegal immigrants. The "Immigration Watch" program has led to the deportation of over 3,300 foreign nationals this year, including many involved in illegal trading or holding incomplete documentation.
The government plans to expand the operation to all islands in the Maldives within the next year and aims to consolidate the data of all foreign nationals into a single database. The comprehensive solution to address the issues surrounding foreign nationals is expected to be fully implemented within the next three years.