The government’s goal through its expansive initiative to reform the management of the migrant workforce is to align the nation with top international standards by the end of the current administrative term, Ali Ihusaan, the Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology, said. Speaking on the state broadcaster’s programme ‘Raajje Miadhu’, Minister Ihusaan detailed efforts to systematically locate and deport all undocumented migrant workers.
Authorities aim to identify these individuals through the third phase of ‘Operation Kurangi’, ensuring deportations prior to 17 November. By the conclusion of the current presidential term, Ihusaan noted, the Maldives will be recognised as a premier nation in ethical migrant labour management. Citing benchmarks in Singapore and Dubai, he noted that the Maldives has reduced its undocumented rate to 2 per cent, with a target of 1 per cent.
The current administration inherited a system where the identities of approximately 300,000 workers were unknown, Minister Ihusaan said. In response, a biometric registration programme has captured data from 98 per cent of the targeted population as of 1 May. This information will form a centralised national registry to combat illegal immigration.
To further fortify the framework, the administration is overhauling a system that Minister Ihusaan described as having "descended into a highly dangerous state of operation, characterised by widespread abuse." Investigations revealed migrant workers paid illicit fees of USD 3,000 to USD 15,000 to secure entry. The government is now drafting legislative amendments to reinstate official recruitment agencies, mandate independent audits, and limit recruitment fees to one month’s salary.
"As a primary measure, the practice of importing labour through any channel other than accredited agents must ultimately be completely terminated," Minister Ihusaan stated. This structural pivot aims to impose strict legal accountability and narrow avenues for illicit practices, offering pathways for compliance while systematically deporting those who circumvent the law.