Under an operation carried out last night to identify expatriates working illegally in the Maldives, authorities have detained seven expatriates in Hulhumale'. 

Maldives Immigration said that the operation focused on spas and salons in Hulhumale', through which seven individuals have been detained for working illegally. 

Through the operation, authorities inspected eight establishments and checked the documents of 26 expatriates, according to Immigration. 

Immigration has previously conducted an operation to identify expatriates working illegally at the Hulhumale' local market as well. 

Authorities have been carried out targeted operations to tackle the issue of undocumented workers and those working illegally in the country. Several such expatriates have been deported over the past years.