509 undocumented expats deported last month for failing to provide fingerprints
The Maldives has deported 9,697 expatriates in 2024, including 509 since November 15 for failing to provide fingerprints. A three-phase operation launched in May 2023 has collected data from 202,000 expatriates, with the final phase running from April 2026 to May 2027 aimed at preventing unlawful residence and ensuring accurate record-keeping for all foreign workers.
Undocumented expatriates detained in Guraidhoo island as part of an Immigration operation
Minister of Homeland and Security Ali Ihusan, has revealed that over 500 expatriates have been deported from the Maldives since November 15, for failing to provide their fingerprints.
During a press conference held by the Home Team, Minister Ihusan confirmed that 509 expatriates had been deported as of December 19. This brings the total number of expatriates deported since the beginning of the year to 9,697.
The minister also provided an update on the government's ongoing efforts to address the issue of undocumented expatriates. He explained that, as part of an operation launched on 2 May 2023, data has been collected from 202,000 expatriates so far. The operation, which is structured into three distinct phases, is set to enter its second phase in January of the upcoming year.
Ihusan further outlined that, within the next three months, employers will be able to access new features within the system that were previously unavailable. He also emphasized that the final phase of the operation is scheduled to take place from 2 April 2026, to 1 May 2027. By the end of this phase, the minister stated, it will be impossible for any expatriate to remain in the Maldives unlawfully.
The minister concluded by underscoring that the aim of these initiatives is to ensure accurate records for all expatriates living in the Maldives, with each expatriate being held accountable to their employer.
