Kulhudhuffushi City Council said today that the influx of undocumented expatriates to the island has increased as enforcement operations have strengthened in the capital.
The issue of expatriates fleeing to Haa Dhaalu atoll Kulhudhuffushi has intensified as Maldives Immigration ramped up its operation in Malé City to track down and deport undocumented expatriates working illegally.
Since November last year, 3,322 foreigners have been deported for various reasons, including a significant number of people involved in illegal business activities.
Kulhudhuffushi City Council said today that the influx of undocumented expatriates to the island has increased as enforcement operations have strengthened in the capital.
Speaking to Mihaaru News, Kulhudhuffushi Council member Ibrahim Ahmed said that a they have observed a noticeable increase in the number of expatriates arriving on the island this month.
"Earlier this month, 20 to 30 people arrived. Seven expatriates arrived by ferry today. We've observed that a number of expatriates arrive on days when ferries are scheduled from Malé to Kulhudhuffushi," he said.
He said that, based on information from ferry operators, most of these arrivals are undocumented expatriates.
"As ferries depart very late, we are currently unable to check whether these people have visas and valid work permits. However, ferry operators are cooperating with us, sharing this information with the council," he said.
He added that these expatriates typically stay with people they have connections with on the island.
With some businesses already being run by expatriates in Kulhudhuffushi, the City Council met today with Immigration and police officials to discuss ways to address the growing problem of undocumented expatriates seeking refuge in Kulhudhuffushi.
"Different islands are also sharing information with Immigration Watch [Maldives Immigration portal]. We are now working closely with relevant agencies to resolve this issue before it escalates further," Ahmed said.
A significant number of expatriates deported during the current operations include those involved in illegal business activities and those with incomplete documentation. The deportations over the past nine months have also targeted individuals involved in large-scale prostitution rings.
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