Immigration detains 39 expatriates from fishing vessels

Maldives Immigration has detained 39 expatriates from the fishing vessels docked near the Malé Fish Market area.

The individuals were taken into custody during a special operation to identify undocumented migrants, led by Immigration in the area, prompted by public complaints.

In efforts to reduce the number of foreigners living in the country in violation of immigrations laws, Maldives Immigration has been searching expatriate accommodation and workplace locations such as shops, cafés, restaurants and salons.

So far authorities have discovered and deported over 5,000 such foreign nationals.

As part of the government's plans to solve the issue of undocumented migrants, Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology is also carrying out an operation to document all foreigners living in the country. As such information collection is currently underway in 138 islands of the Maldives and over 10,000 expatriates have already been registered with the system.

Home Minister Ihusan estimates all foreigners will be entered into the database by April next year.