Maldives Immigration detained 81 expatriates on Tuesday during a large-scale operation in Male’ City targeting individuals living in the country without valid visas and those engaged in illegal business activities.
The raid, conducted between 16:00 and 18:00, involved checks at 463 locations, where 932 expatriates were questioned. According to Immigration, 81 individuals were found to be living illegally and taken into custody. Information on 10 establishments where expatriates were reportedly engaged in unlawful business activities has been forwarded to the relevant authorities.
The operation was supported by 160 Immigration officers, 66 police personnel, and representatives from other agencies. Authorities confirmed the initiative is part of a wider national operation to identify irregular foreign workers and deport them.
The crackdown began on Sunday, when 24 expatriates were detained. Immigration Controller General Ahmed Faseeh has previously stated that the operation would be carried out in three phases and would also take action against Maldivians involved in facilitating or running illegal businesses. He acknowledged that the effort would be challenging, noting that influential individuals and business interests are often linked to such activities.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu addressed the issue during a visit to Faafu Nilandhoo last week, highlighting the growth in the expatriate population and the increase in cases of foreigners conducting business illegally. He told residents that a national operation would begin on Sunday to address the matter, with deportations to follow.
