Maldives Immigration has revealed that 44 irregular migrants have been arrested during 10 operations.
The migrants are temporarily being held in the detention centre where necessary documentation can be gathered before returning them to their home country. Immigration stated that officials are continuing their search for irregular migrants and advised expatriate workers to always carry their work permit cards.
The government resumed its efforts to deport irregular migrants in the Maldives earlier in June. 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 the 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 are being 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.