Maldives Deports 3,322 Foreign Nationals Amid Major Crackdown on Illegal Immigration

Between November 17, 2023, and August 25, 2024, the Maldives deported 3,322 foreign nationals as part of an extensive crackdown on illegal immigration, according to the country’s immigration authorities. This operation, which has involved 257 raids across the country, is part of a broader effort to address the growing issue of undocumented foreign workers.

The crackdown has seen the involvement of multiple government agencies, particularly in response to the discovery that unhygienic food production was being conducted within establishments operated by foreign nationals. These findings have intensified the urgency of the government's efforts to curb illegal immigration.

In a statement, the government emphasized that it is working to legalize existing expatriates in the Maldives, while also pledging to take stringent actions against foreigners involved in unauthorized economic activities. This approach is seen as a dual strategy to manage the current population of foreign workers while preventing further illegal entries.

Mohamed Shamaan Waheed, the Controller General of Immigration, had earlier warned that illegal immigrants found working in the country would face prosecution. His remarks underscore the government's commitment to enforcing immigration laws and addressing the challenges posed by illegal immigration.

As the operation continues, the Maldives remains focused on both curbing illegal immigration and ensuring that all foreign workers in the country are documented and operating within the legal framework.