Immigration conducts raids on foreigners’ residences

Maldives Immigration has launched a special operation to inspect residences of foreigners.

The department revealed that they have begun a special operation in the Greater Malé Region on Wednesday.

The special operation comes in a bid to address the issue of illegal immigrants and inspect places that prepare food in ways that may endanger public safety and security.

On Wednesday, three residences were inspected in Malé City and 13 illegal immigrants were taken into custody.

The operation launched by Immigration aims to inspect places where illegal immigrants are living in overcrowded conditions and areas where such individuals are residing without regard for public safety.

A statement issued by the department notes that action will be taken against those who have rented out such places to foreigners.

The primary goal of this operation, which aims to inspect all accommodations housing foreigners in GMR, is to address the issue of illegal immigration swiftly. The operation seeks to mitigate public health risks, enhance safety and security for citizens, and enforce the Immigration Act against illegal immigrants and those facilitating such activities, according to the authority's release.

The Immigration department as well as the Malé City Council have been jointly conducting inspections of such places, as the issue of illegal immigrants living and working in the Maldives has snowballed.

Controller General of Immigration, Mohamed Shammaan Waheed, has stated that more than 3,300 foreigners have been deported so far this year in connection with several such cases.

The government has also stated that those who provide accommodation to illegal immigrants will be fined.