23 foreigners have been taken into Immigration custody after a raid in the local market region of the congested capital, Malé City.

The immigration department revealed that based on information received by Immigration Watch, the Task Force conducted a major raid operation from Tuesday morning until noon in the local market area of Malé, where it was reported that there was significant control by foreigners.

Immigration also stated that during the raid operation, vessels docked at the area and vessels arriving and departing from the region were also inspected. During the raid a total of 148 foreigners were inspected, and 22 men and one woman who were residing illegally were brought under Immigration custody.

In addition to this, a raid operation was conducted on Monday targeting foreigners illegally washing and cleaning vehicles in various parts of Hulhumalé Phase I and II. Eight foreigners without valid visas were brought under Immigration custody during the operation.

Further, a raid operation was conducted on Monday specifically targeting businesses operating in the Hiyaa flats in Hulhumalé Phase II, where 26 places were inspected, and four people were brought under Immigration custody.