Nearly 100 expatriates have been apprehended in a special operation on Thursday.

They were arrested near Zikraa Mosque in the Mahchangoalhi ward of capital Malé City on Thursday morning.

An immigration spokesperson said that the expatriates arrested in the operation have been transferred to its detention center in Hulhumalé.

The official said that they will be "screened" there, and that those who were in the country illegally "will be deported".

"The rest will be freed after their sponsors come to get them," said the official.

The official further told RaajjeMV that more such operations will be conducted in the future.

The arrest took place at an area where expatriate workers are seen to gather every morning.