The Maldives government has successfully repatriated over 12,000 foreign nationals residing in the country illegally. According to the latest statistics from Maldives Immigration, released by the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, a total of 12,552 individuals were deported between November 17, 2023, and June 13, 2024.

Authorities confirmed that the repatriated individuals included those involved in illegal business operations and those with incomplete or invalid documentation. This large-scale operation is part of a collaborative effort between the Maldives Police Service and Maldives Immigration to address the long-standing issue of undocumented migration in the archipelago.

Under the ongoing ‘Operation Kurangi,’ designed to streamline expatriate management, the government has already collected biometric data and information on more than 202,000 foreign nationals. The government has signaled a zero-tolerance policy, announcing that starting next year, any foreign national discovered residing illegally will be deported immediately without further notice.

Phase three of Operation Kurangi is currently underway, focusing on identifying and deporting 2,895 specific targets. This phase primarily addresses those operating businesses without authorization and individuals residing without valid work permits or visas. The administration aims to achieve a permanent solution to illegal migration within the next six months.