Immigration Controller Shamaan urges public trust, says will not disappoint

Immigration Controller Mohamed Shamaan Waheed has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the public's confidence in operations carried out by Maldives Immigration, in addressing the issue of undocumented expatriates.

During a press briefing following a special operation conducted in Hulhumale' yesterday to identify expatriates living illegally, Shamaan requested the public’s cooperation in these efforts and asked to not aid undocumented expatriates.

He expressed that public trust in Maldives Immigration has grown, and assured that the ongoing operations will not disappoint.

"We are seeing the public's perception of Maldives Immigration change and their trust in us increase. So trust us. We will not disappoint you," Shamaan said.

While the current operations are concentrated in the Male' area, plans are in place to extend them to other atolls.

Shamaan highlighted the government’s objective to resolve the issue of undocumented expatriates within the next three years. He added that these efforts include the registration and regularization of such expatriates.

"This work will be carried out over the next three years. Although these efforts might take some time to reach other atolls, I assure you that these operations will be extended to other atolls as well, and undocumented expatriates will be detained and deported," Shamaan said.

Since the current administration took office, efforts to tackle illegal expatriates have intensified, with over 4,000 individuals deported since November 17 last year.

Although details about the special operation in Hulhumale' have not yet been shared, a similar initiative was carried out in Male' last month.