Maldives Immigration has detailed a total of 83 undocumented foreign workers in Addu City, as part of a special raid operation targeting illegal migrants.
Maldives Immigration conducted the operation titled “Operation Hama Magu” on Wednesday, with the involvement of 25 immigration officers and 25 police officers. Controller General of Immigration Ahmed Faseeh and other senior officials from Maldives Immigration also took part in the operation. All wards of Addu City were checked as part of the operation.
Speaking to PSM News, Controller General Faseeh said the operation is part of efforts to address the issue of illegal migrants in the atolls. The Controller noted that undocumented foreign workers in the Maldives have been given numerous opportunities to regularise their status. Despite this, a significant number still remains undocumented, he noted.
According to Maldives Immigration, a total of 678 foreigners were checked for legal status during the Addu operation. Of these, 83 were found to be working in the Maldives illegally and have now been taken into immigration custody.
The aim of the operation is to find a swift and effective solution to the issue of illegal migrants in the Maldives. The operations are also aimed at ensuring safety and security of citizens by reducing threats to public health and taking action against illegal migrants, as well as those who facilitate them.
Following the operation, notices were issued to 75 individuals who were found to be employing undocumented workers.
Maldives Immigration is also conducting special operations targeted at identifying foreign nationals who are operating businesses in the Maldives without valid visas.
Solving the problem of illegal migrants is a key focus of the current government. In addition to tracking down illegal migrants, the government is also taking action against those who employ undocumented workers. As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has also launched a special operation titled Operation Kurangi to collect biometric data of foreigners residing in the Maldives.