39 illegal expatriates residing in Guraidhoo island of Kaafu atoll, have been taken into custody, as part of a special operation conducted in the island.

Maldives Immigration, jointly with the Maldives Police Service (MPS) and other relevant authorities, launched an operation on October 24, as part of the immigration department’s ongoing efforts to seek out and take the required action against illegal migrants residing in the Maldives and engaging in illegal businesses in the Maldives.

The immigration office revealed that the operation stemmed from a report received by authorities regarding illegal expatriates residing within the community.

As part of the special operation, 39 illegal migrants have been arrested.

20 immigration officers and nine police officers participated in the operation.

The island’s council was also involved.

According to the immigration office, 42 locations were inspected, and 106 expatriates were examined during the operation.

11 expatriates with incomplete visas were issued summons to appear at Immigration, and five Maldivians who were identified as their employers were issued written warnings.

The 39 arrested expatriates who were working and conducting business illegally included individuals from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, India, and one person from Nigeria.

Regarding the operation in Guraidhoo, Controller General of Immigration Mohamed Shamaan Waheed said that this is the beginning of expanding the operation to outlying atolls, following complaints from the public about an increase in illegal expatriates in several islands after operations to inspect illegal expatriates in the congested capital, Malé Region began.

The operation aims to identify expatriates who are overstaying their permitted duration and those operating small and medium-sized businesses illegally. Authorities will take action against these individuals under the Immigration Act.