Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihsan, announced the commencement of "Operation Kurangi," a collaborative effort among relevant agencies aimed at identifying and addressing the issue of illegal immigrants in the Maldives.
Speaking at the launch event, Minister Ihsan emphasized the importance of ensuring national security by implementing comprehensive measures to regulate the presence of foreigners in the country. Operation Kurangi will focus on establishing 100 percent biometric data of all foreign workers in the Maldives.
While acknowledging that the presence of illegal immigrants poses a threat to national security, Minister Ihsan clarified that the objective of the operation is not merely to apprehend and deport individuals. Instead, the primary goal is to accurately identify and verify the identity of illegal immigrants.
The operation is set to span over three years, with the initial phase dedicated to integrating illegal foreigners into the Home Ministry's system. Once completed, the system will provide comprehensive information about all foreign nationals residing and working in the Maldives.
During the subsequent two years, efforts will be focused on deporting individuals who remain unconfirmed, lack official documentation, or cannot be properly registered in the system, Minister Ihsan explained.
"Operation Kurangi" was officially launched today, marking a significant step towards addressing the issue of illegal immigration in the Maldives. Despite the absence of official figures on the number of illegal immigrants, the government is committed to implementing proactive measures to regulate immigration and safeguard national security.
In a related development, President Dr. Mohammed Muizzu announced during this year's Labor Day celebrations a stringent policy to deport foreigners who have committed criminal offenses within 48 hours.
Speaking at the launch event, Minister Ihsan emphasized the importance of ensuring national security by implementing comprehensive measures to regulate the presence of foreigners in the country. Operation Kurangi will focus on establishing 100 percent biometric data of all foreign workers in the Maldives.
While acknowledging that the presence of illegal immigrants poses a threat to national security, Minister Ihsan clarified that the objective of the operation is not merely to apprehend and deport individuals. Instead, the primary goal is to accurately identify and verify the identity of illegal immigrants.
The operation is set to span over three years, with the initial phase dedicated to integrating illegal foreigners into the Home Ministry's system. Once completed, the system will provide comprehensive information about all foreign nationals residing and working in the Maldives.
During the subsequent two years, efforts will be focused on deporting individuals who remain unconfirmed, lack official documentation, or cannot be properly registered in the system, Minister Ihsan explained.
"Operation Kurangi" was officially launched today, marking a significant step towards addressing the issue of illegal immigration in the Maldives. Despite the absence of official figures on the number of illegal immigrants, the government is committed to implementing proactive measures to regulate immigration and safeguard national security.
In a related development, President Dr. Mohammed Muizzu announced during this year's Labor Day celebrations a stringent policy to deport foreigners who have committed criminal offenses within 48 hours.
