Government spokesperson says they are unaware of any reports regarding loss of foreign workers' fingerprints from system or subsequent need to re-collect them
The government spokesperson clarified that the ongoing initiative to collect biometric data from expatriate workers in the Maldives is not due to a loss of records from the system, but rather an effort to complete missing information such as full ten-fingerprint sets. While the government works to finalize these records, expatriates waiting in queues have faced significant difficulties due to recent inclement weather.
The collection of biometric data from expatriates has escalated into a major crisis. | RaajjeMV
Government spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef has stated that he has received no information regarding reports that the fingerprints of expatriate workers in the Maldives have been lost from the system or that efforts are underway to re-collect them.
The spokesperson made these remarks in response to inquiries from journalists regarding the ongoing resumption of biometric data collection for expatriates.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has previously stated that biometrics have been collected from 98 percent of foreign workers residing in the Maldives. However, RaajjeTV has learned that efforts are currently underway to re-collect biometric data from these individuals following a loss of data from the system. This re-collection process has been ongoing for three days, with large queues of expatriates observed as recently as Thursday morning.
When questioned regarding the matter, government spokesperson Shareef stated that he was unaware of any efforts to recover lost data. However, he noted that upon inquiring with the relevant authorities, it was observed that information remains incomplete in certain cases. Shareef further clarified that individuals whose ten-fingerprints or biometric data are missing have been identified, and they are currently being urged to complete the necessary documentation.
The spokesperson further clarified that the ongoing efforts are focused on completing existing records, noting that they had not stated that information was being re-collected for individuals whose data had been lost. He added that more precise details would be shared once the matter has been further clarified. Furthermore, Shareef noted that not everyone in the queue was there solely for that purpose; reports indicate the crowd also included individuals who had come forward on their own initiative to provide their information for the first time.
As the biometric data collection for expatriates continues, it has been observed that many are facing significant hardships due to the current spell of severe weather and heavy rainfall across the Maldives. Public concern is mounting over the sight of large crowds of expatriates forced to wait in long queues since midnight, often in congested conditions. The government maintains that this initiative is a crucial step toward completing expatriate records and addressing the issue of undocumented workers in the country.
