Controller General of Immigration Mohamed Sham'aan has declared expatriates operating own businesses without permits will be deported as per regulations.
The Maldives Immigration has launched a joint operation, in collaboration with the Maldives Police Service (MPS), to identify illegal immigrants across the nation. Under this operation, several immigrants have been brought to the custody of the Maldives Immigration.
In a post shared on social media regarding the operation, Controller General Sham'aan revealed that several self-employed expatriates without valid permits and those involved in activities outside the permitted activities have been identified during the operations. He affirmed the illegal expatriates will be deported as Maldives Immigration Act.
Underscoring the commitment of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, to address the issue of illegal immigrants in the nation, Sham'aan stated the Immigration will ensure the fulfilment of this pledge responsibly. The current administration has been exerting efforts to resolve the issue. As such, the ongoing operation aims to identify and deport all illegal immigrants with no relevant documents.
During the first day of the operation, several areas within the Greater Male' region have been investigated and approved. As such, MPS disclosed they have observed some local markets and other areas as well. Under the operation, 50 immigrants who did not have the relevant documents are currently under the custody of the Immigration.