The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has announced a new initiative to rank the agencies responsible for bringing expatriates into the country. This decision aims to establish a proper system to address the growing problem of illegal expatriates and ensure the regularisation of immigrant workers.
In a recent programme aired on PSM News, Deputy Minister Ashraf Mohamed Ali emphasised the importance of addressing all related issues simultaneously to resolve the problem of illegal immigrants effectively. He highlighted the need to strengthen the agencies that facilitate the arrival of immigrant workers as a crucial step in this process.
Ashraf stated that the ministry will implement a robust system to rank agency operators, ensuring they provide honest and quality services. “Ranking these agencies and developing a strong system will help stop the smuggling of immigrants,” he noted.
The Ministry of Homeland Security has reported numerous cases of immigrants being smuggled into the country and then left to fend for themselves without any responsible party. According to the constitution, foreign workers can only be brought into the country if there are available vacancies and they are eligible for work through relevant agencies. However, there have been instances where immigrants bypass these regulations.
The government is working towards a comprehensive solution to regularise illegal immigrants and prevent them from illegally operating local businesses. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that the immigration process is transparent and secure, protecting both the rights of expatriates and the integrity of local businesses.
The Ministry’s efforts to rank the agencies involved in bringing expatriates to the Maldives is expected to enhance the overall management of immigrant workers and reduce the instances of illegal immigration, ultimately contributing to a more orderly and lawful immigration system.
