Authorities have cracked down on several illegal migrants involved in illegal businesses in the Maldives.

This was revealed by the Maldives Immigration during a press conference on Wednesday.

Speaking at the presser, Controller General of Immigration Mohamed Shamaan Waheed revealed that authorities have been conducting raid operations in a bid to track down undocumented migrant workers in the Maldives, involved in illegal businesses.

As part of these operations, 118 migrants have been taken into custody so far.

Noting that the operations against illegal migrants will proceed uninterrupted, Shamaan stated that so far, 42 raid operations have been conducted targeting illegal businesses

He added that efforts are underway to deport the 118 migrants presently in their custody.

Among the locations raided during the operations include six markets, seven retail shops, 17 takeaway shops, three spas, one tailor shop and three mobile shops in the congested capital, Malé City.

At present, 42 raids have been targeted for businesses and areas directly related to such businesses according to the department.

Mostly targeted are at those who are more mainstream and involved than those who violate the rules in simpler ways.

The immigration department revealed that the operations are being conducted in partnership with the Maldives Police Service (MPS).

Relevant authorities have been raiding businesses operating in the Greater Malé Region as part of the operation to crackdown on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) being operated by undocumented migrants residing illegally in the Maldives.

Immigration has since commenced the process of deporting the migrant workers who have been arrested as part of the raids, in collaboration with relevant authorities.