Expatriates detained during ongoing raid operations for violating the country’s immigration laws will not be given the opportunity to legalise their status, the Immigration Department announced.
In a press conference, Immigration Controller Mohamed Shamaan Waheed emphasised that the chance to become legalised is still available through the ‘Kurangi’ programme. This initiative, currently being implemented nationwide, aims to create a registry of undocumented expatriates.
However, Shamaan clarified that those who are detained in the raids will not be afforded this opportunity. “The smart thing to do is to become legalised soon. However, once detained, that opportunity is no longer provided. They will be apprehended and deported,” he stated.
In the past seven months, Immigration reported deporting a total of 2,013 expatriates living in the Maldives in violation of the country’s regulations. The current crackdown focuses particularly on expatriates illegally running businesses.
Recent raid operations resulted in the detention of 120 expatriates and the closure of several illegal businesses. Authorities also conducted raids on two local markets at different times, apprehending foreigners manning the stalls. Other targeted areas include small retail stores, takeaway coffee shops, and spas allegedly being operated as fronts for prostitution.
Shamaan’s remarks serve as a stern reminder to undocumented expatriates to take advantage of the ‘Kurangi’ programme before it is too late. The ongoing operations highlight the Maldives’ commitment to enforcing immigration laws and addressing illegal business activities within the country.
