The administration has successfully recovered approximately USD 71.34 million in fees associated with migrant workers that were owed to the state by employers, according to Ali Ihusaan, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology. He made this statement during the 'Riyaasee Bayaan 2025' forum, an event centred on the presidential address delivered by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu at the inaugural session of Parliament for 2025.
Minister Ihusaan disclosed that employers collectively owe the state an estimated USD 116.72 million in migrant worker-related fees. Of this amount, the administration has successfully reclaimed approximately USD 71.34 million, thereby reducing the outstanding balance to around USD 38.77 million, he revealed.
In his address at the forum, Minister Ihusaan underscored the administration's initiatives to tackle the issue of undocumented migrant workers in the country. He highlighted 'Operation Kurangi,' a specialised campaign designed to collect biometric data from all migrant workers, identify undocumented individuals, and expose unregistered illegal business operations. Since the campaign's inception, the administration has collected biometric data from over 44,000 migrant workers, he stated.
The minister also elaborated on the achievements of the homeland security ministry in other areas, notably in combating drug trafficking and substance abuse. He announced that the administration has decided to establish drug offender remand centres in three regions of the country, which will provide community rehabilitation services.
"Last year, we confiscated drugs with a street value of USD 77.55 million," he stated. "We are conducting drug operations in the outer atolls. Last year, we completed an operation in one atoll. In Fuvahmulah City, we shut down drug cafés and arrested all individuals involved in the sale of narcotic substances. The leaders of these operations will be arrested and punished."
Additionally, Minister Ihusaan discussed the administration’s legislative amendments aimed at addressing drug and gang-related crimes. He acknowledged that, despite the presence of existing legislation, enforcement has proved challenging. The proposed amendments are intended to bolster the authorities' capacity to effectively combat these crimes, he asserted.