Maldives Launches Major Nationwide Operation Against Undocumented Foreigners, Illegal Businesses

A comprehensive nationwide operation to track down and deport undocumented foreign nationals and dismantle their illicit businesses has officially commenced across the Maldives.

The extensive initiative, announced by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, is a collaborative effort between Maldives Immigration and the Maldives Police Service (MPS), involving a significant deployment of officers.

The operation follows President Dr Muizzu's pledge to address the long-standing issue of illegal immigration, which he noted had seen no major efforts for a solution previously by successive governments.

"We are taking this to several levels and starting tomorrow [21 September], we will launch a special operation nationwide to search for these illegal businesses in all islands, especially in large populated islands, immediately close them and deport them," he said during the announcement.

He reiterated his commitment to continuing the crackdown, focusing particularly on major cities.

Briefings were held to launch the multi-phase programme, which aims to reduce public health hazards, ensure the safety and security of citizens, and take decisive action against both undocumented foreigners and those who facilitate their unlawful presence. The government had already begun preliminary operation last year, collecting information on 178,982 foreigners and deporting over 8,000 individuals identified as undocumented since President Dr Muizzu took office.

Stark Warning to Locals Abetting Illegal Foreign Businesses

Controller General of Immigration, Ahmed Faseeh, in an exclusive interview with PSM News, highlighted the pervasive nature of illegal businesses, many allegedly run by undocumented foreigners under various guises.

"Businesses have been created and even named after foreigners. This is not an easy operation. Influential locals and businessmen are behind this," Faseeh warned, emphasising that serious efforts would be required for success.

He also confirmed that action would be taken against those who aid and abet undocumented immigrants.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Mohamed Daud detailed the operation's three phases - the first phase will meticulously inspect the Malé area, followed by densely populated and industrial islands in the second phase, and finally, smaller populated islands in the third.

"We are starting to track down and repatriate illegal immigrants and foreigners involved in various crimes," Daud told PSM News, affirming the commitment to resolve issues and regularise undocumented expats, despite the challenging nature of such an effort.

The initial phase of the operation has already begun, targeting undocumented foreigners operating in the capital city.