The administration has announced the nationwide expansion of Operation Kurangi and launched the second phase of the programme. Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan, stated that local councils will now have direct access to the applications developed for this phase of the operation.
Operation Kurangi, aimed at addressing the issue of illegal immigrants in the Maldives, was initially launched in May by the Ministry of Homeland Security in collaboration with the Maldives Police Service and Maldives Immigration. The pilot programme was successfully conducted on Himmafushi Island in Kaafu Atoll.
In the second phase, councils have been equipped with fingerprint machines to help identify expatriates residing on the islands. With direct access to the developed applications, councils can upload pictures and information about expatriates, including their occupation and employer details.
Minister Ihusaan emphasised that the goal is to find a permanent solution to the issue of illegal immigrants within three years. The plan involves identifying illegal immigrants within one year and integrating them into the system over the next two years. Additionally, the programme aims to regularise their status and find them employment.
Meanwhile, Maldives Immigration and the Maldives Police Service (MPS) conducted additional raids on businesses suspected to be owned and operated by migrant workers in Hulhumalé on Thursday. The crackdown resulted in the arrest of several migrant workers, according to Maldives Immigration. Authorities raided a vehicle garage and a food packaging and delivery operation in Hulhumalé, with the food packaging work taking place on the upstairs floor above the garage. These raids were prompted by tips received through the new portal ‘Immigration Watch,’ which encourages the public to report illegal activities involving migrant workers.
During the operation, immigration officers apprehended eight workers from the food delivery outlet and three from the garage. Authorities have apprehended over 100 migrant workers in various raids over the past week alone.
This comprehensive approach reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring that all expatriates in the Maldives are documented and legally present, contributing to the country’s socio-economic stability.
