Immigration has been cracking down on expatriates living in the country without documents.
Expatriates detained during the on going raid operations for violating the country's immigration laws will not be provided with the opportunity of legalising themselves in the country, said Immigration today.
In a press conference held today, Immigration Controller Mohamed Shamaan Waheed said that the opportunity to become legalised is available via the 'Kurangi' programme, which is being implemented across the country to create a registry of undocumented expatriates.
However, those detained in the raids will not be afforded this chance, he said.
"The smart thing to do in this is to become legalised soon. However, once detained, that opportunity is no longer provided. They will be sent and be deported," Shamaan said.
Immigration previously revealed that a total of 2013 expatriates living in the country in violation of the country's regulations were deported within the last seven months.
Currently, Immigration is cracking down on expatriates running businesses despite it being illegal in the country. The recent raid operations saw 120 expatriates being detained and such businesses being shut shown.
Authorities also raided two local markets over two different times and apprehended foreigners manning the stalls there. Other targeted areas include small retail stores, takeaway coffee shops and spas being operated as prostitution fronts.
Sign In