Over 250 expatriates taken into custody during Operation Kurangi
According to Maldives Immigration, the latest phase of the operation is being conducted by dividing Malé into 26 operational zones.
Top Stories
-
Opposition calls journalist sentences attack on press freedom
-
Kulhudhuffushi parade entries barred from using names and photos
-
Maldives legalises ADHD medication methylphenidate
-
Woman sentenced to 6 years for blackmail, pornographic material
-
Adhadhu journalists sentenced to prison over breach of order
The government on Saturday began the third phase of “Operation Kurangi”, a nationwide programme aimed at collecting biometric identification data of expatriate workers in the Maldives.
The operation focuses on identifying foreign nationals who have not yet submitted biometric information to authorities.
Launched in 2024, the programme seeks to establish a biometric database containing facial photographs and ten-fingerprint records of expatriate workers residing in the country.
According to Maldives Immigration, the latest phase of the operation is being conducted by dividing Malé into 26 operational zones.
Authorities stated that more than 200 Immigration officers and 100 officers from the Maldives Police Service participated in Saturday’s operation.
Between 4:00pm and 6:00pm:
-
639 premises were inspected;
-
1,344 expatriates were screened; and
-
254 individuals identified with irregular visa status were taken into Immigration custody.
Immigration also stated that notices were issued to 44 Maldivian employers accused of employing expatriates in violation of regulations.
The authority said action would be taken under the Maldives Immigration Act against employers who fail to comply with the notices.
Earlier on Saturday, President Mohamed Muizzu stated that biometric information had already been collected for 98% of foreign nationals residing in the Maldives under valid work permits.
