Will not tolerate undocumented expats and those who take advantage of them: CP

Police Commissioner Ismail Naveen has said that undocumented expatriates and those who exploit them will face strict enforcement action.

Maldives currently has more than 178,000 foreign workers, according to Operation Kurangi. As part of a special operation launched this Sunday in collaboration with the Immigration Department, authorities aim to deport expatriates living and working illegally in the country.

Sharing images from the launch of the operation on social media, Naveen said, “While we recognize the legitimate service of foreign workers, we will take stern action against those who enter our country illegally or work without proper documentation. Those who take advantage of them will not be tolerated either.”

The operation led to the arrest of 81 foreign nationals on its first day, including individuals operating various businesses. Authorities plan to extend the campaign to other atolls as well as Male’.

Ministry of Homeland Security is also collecting biometric data from expatriate workers in Maldives. The ministry previously stated that, once the biometric process is complete, a programme will be launched to regularize those wishing to work legally in Maldives.