Not all foreigners caught in ongoing raid operations will be deported, and those eligible will be given the opportunity to continue to work legally in the Maldives, Maldives Immigration has said.
Immigration provided the clarification while briefing the media on the national operation launched on 20 September to identify and track down undocumented foreign nationals and dismantle illicit businesses. The operation, initiated by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, is being carried out jointly by Maldives Immigration and the Maldives Police Service (MPS), involving a significant deployment of officers.
Chief Immigration Officer Ahmed Mujuthaba told PSM News that the main objective of the operation is to take action against undocumented workers and those engaged in illegal activities. The operation will also investigate and take action against locals who facilitate them, he said.
Mujuthaba said those without valid visas are identified during the raids. However, those whose visas expired less than six months ago are issued notices instead of being detained, while those without legal status are given the option to register under the government’s regularisation programme.
Mujuthaba said the government has facilitated the opportunity for Maldivian employers to employ foreign workers in accordance with the law and regulations. Therefore, it is important for employers to comply with these rules, he said.
According to Immigration, 463 locations have been searched and 932 foreigners checked so far. A total of 81 undocumented foreigners have been taken into custody, and information on 10 locations where illegal businesses were being run by foreigners has been shared with relevant authorities.