The Ministry of Home Affairs announced that biometric data of 1,455 expatriate workers were collected during the "Kurangi" operation conducted in the Greater Male' area today. The operation took place from 9:15 AM to 6:00 PM and is part of a broader initiative to address the issue of illegal expatriates in the Maldives.
In a post on "X" (formerly Twitter), the Ministry revealed that to date, information on a total of 25,483 expatriates has been gathered through the ongoing operation.
Commenting on the progress, Home Minister Ali Ihsan highlighted that today's efforts marked the expansion of the operation into private sector workplaces and public spaces in Male'. He emphasized that the initiative is in line with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge to find a sustainable solution to the issue of undocumented expatriates through a phased three-year plan.
The operation aims to achieve its objectives by April 2027. During the first phase, biometric data collection is being conducted without taking immediate enforcement actions. Instead, undocumented workers are being given an opportunity to regularize their status.
The Ministry elaborated on the subsequent phases, stating that after the initial phase, biometric identification will be finalized for all undocumented expatriates. Those who fail to regularize their status will be repatriated in collaboration with their respective embassies.