The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has announced the successful completion of Operation Kurangi on two islands. As such, the ministry notes that Operation Kurangi has been successfully completed in Muraidhoo and Molhadoo in Haa Alifu Atoll.
Operation Kurangi was launched by the government on July 30 as an 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.
The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has granted all local island councils access to the online portal, initiating the process of collecting biometrics of foreigners across the islands. The councils have also been provided with fingerprint machines with 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.