Home minister Ali Ihusan has said expatriate workers who fail to pay visa fees will face deportation from next month, as authorities step up a nationwide crackdown on undocumented migrants.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, Ihusan said the third phase of Operation Kurangi will begin on May 2, with stricter enforcement measures.

“From May 2, 2026, any expat encountered by our law enforcement without paying any fees will be deported immediately,” he said.

He said that once enforcement action is taken, securing release would be difficult “no matter who calls”, although cases involving administrative issues in visa payments would be considered.

According to Minister Ihusan, 62 percent of expatriate workers in the Maldives are now documented, up from 28 percent when the operation began in 2024. Authorities expect the remaining workers to be brought into compliance within a year.

Of an estimated 206,000 expatriates in the country, 2,933 have yet to be documented.

“Previously, more than 100,000 expats were living in Maldives without knowing their whereabouts. This has been reduced to 2,933,” he said.

Minister Ihusan urged employers to ensure visa fees are paid on time, adding that expatriates will be able to check their status through the immigration system, including visa payment dates.

He said the same enforcement measures would apply to all those who remain outside the current 62 percent with valid documentation.