The government will initiate the second phase of the crackdown on undocumented expatriate workers in the Maldives, the Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusan has revealed.
This initiative, launched in May 2024, is part of broader efforts by the Government to solve the issue of undocumented migrants in the Maldives. While a special operation titled Operation Kurangi has been launched to collect information on foreigners, the operation is being conducted by establishing a system within local councils to collect biometric data from foreign nationals.
Speaking on PSM News’ ‘Raajje Miadhu’ programme, Minister Ihusan said the Kurangi Operation to collect information on foreigners has made significant progress so far with biometrics collected from 151,694 expats thus far.
He said 7,549 foreigners have been deported in the past 18 months for illegal trade, illegal activities and criminal activities.
According to the Minister, the government will roll-out the second phase of the crackdown on 1 July which will be aimed at providing another opportunity for undocumented expats to regularise.
In addition, the second phase will include strengthening the country’s expat systems and regulation frameworks in collaboration with the relevant government agencies, he said.
"We will work with embassies accredited to the Maldives to determine the authenticity of recruitment agencies abroad,” he explained.
The authorities will also monitor if expats’ employment meets the regulations which the Minister said will be done through unannounced raids and work site inspections.
Minister Ihusan also noted that the government had managed to recover more than USD 64.9 million in unpaid expat related fees in the last 18 months.
"One of the biggest achievements is to recover the fees owed to the state. So far, more than USD 64.9 million have been recovered in unpaid fees related to foreigners,” he added.
The government aims to bring a permanent solution to the issue of undocumented migrants in Maldives by April 2027.