Biometric registration of expatriates turns into major crisis!

Despite President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s recent assertion that the collection of 10-fingerprint biometrics for foreigners is 98 percent complete, the area surrounding the National Centre for Information Technology (NCIT) has been overwhelmed by massive crowds of expatriates. This surge follows reports that previously collected fingerprint data was lost from the system, forcing authorities to re-collect the information.

During a segment of RaajjeTV’s "Fashaairu" program on Thursday, a visit to the area revealed a massive queue of expatriates surrounding the block where the National Centre for Information Technology (NCIT) is located. The line stretched significantly, extending from the vicinity of the Shaheed Ali Mosque all the way to Dharubaaruge.

Foreign workers at the site reported that their biometric data has already been collected several times, and the repetitive nature of this process is significantly hindering their work. They noted that some have been waiting in the queue for three days. Among those lined up were numerous expatriates employed by Sifco, as well as a large number of workers in WAMCO uniforms.

Some expatriates in the queue reported that they had been waiting since 10:00 p.m. last night, while others joined as early as 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. Many were seen eating and drinking while maintaining their spots, with some even sleeping on mats spread across the area. Due to the prevailing bad weather, many individuals remained in line despite being drenched by the rain.

Despite the challenging conditions faced by the expatriates, Maldives Digital Services continues to collect their biometric data every working day from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Furthermore, several companies employing foreign workers informed RaajjeMV that they are being required to repeatedly submit migrant data, with authorities claiming previous records have been lost from the system without disclosing the cause. These companies noted that while biometric data for all ten fingers is collected, they are often told that certain fingerprint records are missing, yet neither Immigration nor any other relevant institution has taken responsibility for these lapses. The companies stated that these issues have significantly hindered their operations and emphasized the need for a more streamlined system. They further remarked that while they had hoped the "Expat 2.0" services would be fully digitalized, the current situation appears to be moving in the opposite direction.

Public frustration has mounted as massive queues of expatriates continue to obstruct the area. With three preschools located within the block, parents must navigate the crowds with young children, reporting significant difficulties and disruptions to their daily commute.

Amidst the ongoing crisis surrounding the collection of biometric data for expatriates, President Muizzu stated in a post on X that 98 percent of foreign workers currently residing in the Maldives on valid active work permits have now been biometrically identified through ten-fingerprint scanning and clear facial photography. The President further noted that this figure stood at a mere 13 percent as of November 17, 2023.

The current administration launched "Operation Kurangi" on May 2, 2024, to collect biometric data from expatriates working in the Maldives.

With Phases 1 and 2 of the operation now complete, Phase 3 was launched on May 9, 2024. The government has announced that undocumented immigrants identified during this third phase will be deported within the next six days.

Furthermore, Home Minister Ali Ihusan stated that upon the conclusion of the government's ongoing "Operation Kurangi," a new system will be established to facilitate the recruitment of expatriates to the Maldives through designated agencies. Minister Ihusan noted that this initiative will ensure that those bringing foreign workers into the country are held accountable within a legal framework, thereby narrowing the opportunities for illegal practices.