President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has declared that the Maldives has achieved results in managing the issue of foreigners that parallel those of developed nations, calling the progress a testament to the government's commitment to meaningful national development.
The President made these remarks during his appearance on the Nation Chat: With the President programme broadcasted on PSM News, where he highlighted his administration's vision for addressing long-standing social challenges that have plagued Maldivian society for decades.
Speaking during the programme, President Muizzu emphasised that the concerns of Maldivian society must be given the highest priority in all governmental undertakings. He distinguished between superficial development and genuine progress, cautioning against equating national advancement solely with visible infrastructure such as skyscrapers.
"Meaningful development incorporates both tangible and intangible aspects," the President stated, underscoring his administration's focus on addressing the underlying social issues that affect the daily lives of citizens.
The President acknowledged that the challenges posed by foreign nationals in the Maldives have remained unresolved for many years, describing the related drug problem as an even older and more pressing concern. He connected these persistent issues to the emergence of gangs, violent conflicts, and various forms of criminal activity that have destabilised communities across the islands.
President Muizzu pointedly noted that previous administrations failed to make adequate efforts to confront these major social problems head-on, describing his current approach as grounded in factual assessment rather than political rhetoric.
Official government data presented by the President reveals a dramatic acceleration in efforts to document and manage the foreign population during his administration. Upon assuming power, the government encountered a significant information gap, as no comprehensive data existed regarding the legal status of foreigners residing in the Maldives. This information deficit has been substantially addressed through an ambitious biometrics collection programme that has far outstripped the efforts of previous administrations.
According to statistics cited by President Muizzu, during the two-and-a-half-year period from 2013 to 2016, no biometrics were collected from foreign nationals. Throughout the entire five-year term of the subsequent administration, only 27,200 foreigners provided biometric data. In marked contrast, the current government has collected biometrics from 206,400 individuals in just two and a half years, representing a more than seven-fold increase over a significantly shorter timeframe. The President elaborated on these figures, revealing that an additional 264,000 biometrics have been taken during his tenure, bringing the total to remarkable levels.
"Now only 1 percent of foreigners have not been taken," President Muizzu announced, noting that only the United Arab Emirates and Singapore have achieved comparable statistics at the 99 percent level among nations worldwide.
This achievement, he suggested, places the Maldives among an elite group of countries with comprehensive foreign population databases.
Parallel progress has been made in the reporting of illegal immigrants, another critical component of the government's comprehensive approach to border security and social stability. The statistics reveal a dramatic shift in enforcement and community engagement. Between 2013 and 2016, no illegal immigrants were reported to authorities. During the first two and a half years of the previous administration, only 2,600 individuals were reported. However, during the current government's tenure, that figure has jumped to 12,193 reported illegal immigrants, representing nearly a five-fold increase and indicating heightened vigilance and public cooperation.
President Muizzu characterised these achievements as integral components of a broader, determined policy framework designed to permanently resolve the complex issue of undocumented foreigners in the Maldives. He acknowledged that significant challenges remained in this ongoing effort, yet expressed confidence that the foundation has been established for lasting solutions.