The Maldives Immigration has revealed that two accommodation blocks in Hulhumale' were raided, leading to the arrest of eight foreigners.
The Immigration said that the arrests were made as part of an ongoing operation targeting illegal immigrants in the Greater Male' Region who are conducting business without valid visas. Immigration officers inspected accommodations in Hulhumale' on October 3, where the eight individuals were detained. The operation was carried out by Immigration Officer Trainees as part of their special training programme for new recruits.
The Immigration said that a mass inspection took place in Hulhumale' Phase I and II in September, during which 314 locations were searched, resulting in the arrest of 28 foreigners. These efforts are part of a broader initiative by Immigration, which includes not only identifying illegal immigrants but also inspecting food establishments that may pose public safety risks and checking the residences of foreign nationals.
The Immigration has deported 4,054 illegal immigrants since November 17 last year. Controller General of Immigration Mohamed Shamaan has highlighted the positive outcomes of these efforts. He also expressed the government's goal to address the issue of illegal immigration within the next three years.