The Controller General of Immigration, Mohamed Shamman Waheed, announced on Saturday that the Maldives is targeting the deportation of close to 50,000 illegal immigrants over the next five years. Speaking on a local media programme, Shamman outlined Maldives Immigration’s extensive plan to tackle the issue of illegal expatriates in the country.
“Our target is to deport close to 50,000 illegal immigrants, and we have a lot of work to do to achieve this, and we are working on that,” Shamman stated.
Illegal immigration and the unauthorised operation of businesses by expatriates are currently among the most significant issues facing the Maldives. These problems have been exacerbated by a lack of regulation and enforcement under previous administrations.
Shamman criticised the former government for failing to address the issue of illegal immigrants, noting that their inaction had worsened the situation. In contrast, the current administration has implemented additional measures to address illegal immigration and related problems, including a nationwide crackdown to locate and deport undocumented individuals.
The crackdown is centred on three key objectives: the collection of biometric data through ‘Operation Kurangi’, offering opportunities for illegal expatriates to legalise their status, and stronger enforcement of relevant laws and regulations.
In collaboration with the Maldives Police Service, immigration authorities have been conducting regular raids at various locations to identify and apprehend illegal expatriates. Over 200 venues, including cafés, restaurants, and spa facilities, have been raided as part of this ongoing effort.
Shamman noted that the crackdown has led to several expatriates voluntarily closing their illegally operated businesses. However, he acknowledged that the operation is not progressing as quickly as desired.
Despite these challenges, Shamman assured the public that the crackdown will continue without interruption, reaffirming the government’s commitment to addressing illegal immigration and its associated issues in the Maldives.
This initiative marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to regulate its expatriate workforce and ensure compliance with immigration laws. The government’s approach aims not only to deport illegal immigrants but also to provide a legal framework for those seeking to regularise their status in the Maldives.
