Immigration has revealed that its operations will be expanded to the atolls and warned that action will be taken against locals who aid expatriates to flee Immigration.
Immigration's crackdown on expatriates who are residing in the in Malé in violation of the country's immigration regulations has prompted them to flee to the atolls, leading Immigration to expand operations there, said Immigration Controller Mohamed Shamman, adding that locals aiding expatriates will also face action.
Speaking with the press after Wednesday's operations, Shamman stated that the agency is receiving tips about expatriates leaving the capital city.
"We will expand our raid operations and these special operations to the atolls. We believe this will bring about a comprehensive solution to the islands as well," Shamman said explaining the situation.
Shamman emphasized that while entry to the islands requires local council approval, the councils must also take a proactive role in the process. He also warned that locals who assist expatriates in fleeing will face legal action.
He said that it is an offence to keep undocumented expatriates in hiding and that such crimes carry penalties under the Immigration Act.
"Hiding expatriates in violation of the regulations, and providing them refuge is against the law. So, there are penalties such as fines which can be given under the Immigration Act," he said.
As Immigration continues its crackdown, the Kulhudhuffushi Island Council in Haa Dhaalu Atoll has raised concerns about an influx of expatriates traveling to the island to escape Immigration authorities. The council is worried about the increasing number of expatriates arriving in the area to evade the ongoing operations.
Shamman said that the Kulhudhuffushi Island Council has requested a meeting with Immigration Officers in Malé to discuss the situation. He added that the exact course of action regarding the issue would become clear after this meeting.
"Kulhudhuffushi has reported that they want to meet with those in Malé. We can only give a definitive statement after the meeting. If they [the council] request it, we will attend to it," Shamman added.
Action will be taken as such issues are identified in future inspections as well, he said.
As of date, more than 3,000 foreigners have been arrested and deported in the government's crackdown on undocumented expatriates living illegally in the country.
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