Over 5,000 migrant workers have been deported to their home countries so far this year, Controller General of Immigration Mohamed Shamaan Waheed has revealed, adding that Maldives Immigration aims to double that figure next year. Waheed shared this information during an interview with PSM News, which followed an immigration operation aimed at undocumented migrants in the local market area of Malé.
Waheed stated that the agency's 'Immigration Watch' portal has received numerous public complaints and tips regarding the involvement of undocumented migrant workers in illegal activities. The agency is actively investigating these complaints and taking appropriate actions, such as conducting raids, he said.
The recent raids in the local market area were a direct response to complaints received through the portal, according to Waheed. He observed that this area, including the vessels docked nearby and the local market, serves as a common workplace for a large number of migrant workers who engage in various business activities.
"Despite initial slow progress when we commenced this work, we subsequently managed to execute our tasks at the desired speed. Next year, we plan to enhance our efforts and expedite our work even further," said Waheed.
Highlighting that the agency had been expediting the deportation process of undocumented migrants, Waheed explained that this initiative aims to address the challenges posed by undocumented workers and those involved in illicit activities. The agency also plans to expand its efforts to the outer islands next year to locate undocumented migrant workers in the atolls, he added.
During the raid in the local market area, immigration officers gathered information about migrant workers on vessels docked at the harbour as well as those working in the market. The operation led to the detention of a significant number of undocumented migrants.