Maldives Immigration has detained 31 individuals in a series of raids across Malé and Hulhumalé, focusing on areas with high concentrations of undocumented workers. These efforts are part of ongoing operations to combat illegal labour and address the challenges posed by undocumented migrant workers.
The local market area of Malé, identified as a hub for numerous migrant workers and their businesses, was the primary target of one operation. Immigration officers carried out inspections on vessels both docked at and departing from the harbour, questioning 148 migrant workers in the process. Out of these, 23 individuals were taken into custody, including 22 men and one woman, the agency said.
In a separate operation, Maldives Immigration apprehended eight undocumented migrants conducting unauthorised street-side vehicle washing services in Hulhumalé. These individuals were found to have no valid visas or documents, according to the immigration authority.
Maldives Immigration has been actively collaborating with other relevant authorities to conduct numerous operations throughout the year, resulting in the identification and deportation of 4,000 undocumented migrant workers.
As part of the administration's efforts to tackle the challenges posed by undocumented migrant workers, a special programme has been launched nationwide to identify and collect biometric data, creating a comprehensive registry of all migrant workers in the country.