Biometric Data of Nearly 19,000 Foreigners Collected in "Operation Kurangi"

The Ministry of Home Affairs has gathered biometric data from 18,919 foreign nationals under "Operation Kurangi," an initiative aimed at addressing the issue of undocumented expatriate workers in the Maldives. This operation marks a critical step in establishing a permanent solution to the problem of illegal foreign workers in the country.

State Minister Abdul Majeed Ibrahim stated that biometric data collection is underway in 194 islands and has been completed in 50. Data is being gathered through council office facilities, where expatriates provide fingerprints and other personal information.

The primary goal of "Operation Kurangi" is to ensure that all expatriates are working within the legal framework of Maldivian regulations. The collected data will contribute to creating a central registry of foreign workers, facilitating better oversight and control.

This multi-phase initiative aims to resolve the issue of undocumented foreign nationals within three years. During the first phase, which is currently ongoing, illegal expatriates are given an opportunity to regularize their status without immediate penalties. In subsequent phases, biometric identification will be used to address individuals without proper documentation, with plans to repatriate them in coordination with their respective embassies.

The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, Maldives Police Service, and Maldives Immigration are collaborating on this initiative to streamline the management of expatriate workers.