The government has resumed its efforts to deport illegal immigrants in the Maldives.
The operation is being carried out by the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Maldives Immigration. The decision to recommence the operation follows the establishment of the expatriate detention centre in Hulhumale', which has a capacity to accommodate approximately 250-300 individuals.
Immigration stated that the authorities have been actively involved in the operation, dispatching officials to various gathering places where immigrants are known to reside. Through systematic questioning and investigation, those found to be living in the Maldives illegally have been identified and apprehended. Subsequently, the relevant authorities are working to expedite the deportation process for these individuals, ensuring their prompt removal from the country.
The operation is part of a broader strategy to address the growing issue of undocumented expatriates in the Maldives. In 2022, the Ministry of Economic Development reported that around 43,000 expatriates were registered as undocumented, and significant efforts have already been made to repatriate over 20,000 of them. To facilitate the repatriation process, undocumented expatriates are temporarily held in detention centers, where necessary documentation is gathered before their safe return to their home countries.
By resuming these deportation operations and actively addressing the problem of undocumented expatriates, the government aims to maintain effective control over immigration policies, safeguard national security, and promote a harmonious socio-economic environment in the Maldives.