Immigration offers rectification before deportation to detained illegal immigrants

While President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced on Saturday that foreigners engaged in illegal business activities in the Maldives would face immediate deportation, the Maldives Immigration stated on Wednesday that it would provide such individuals with an additional opportunity to regularize their status.

Speaking in Faafu atoll Nilandhoo on Saturday, the President declared that a special operation would commence on Sunday of this week to immediately deport foreigners. That evening, he further elaborated that the operation would involve tracking down foreigners operating illegal businesses in the Maldives and subsequently closing those businesses. The President emphasized that the operation would prioritize larger islands for the deportation efforts.

However, Chief Immigration Officer Ahmed Mujuthaba informed state media that the nationwide operation had already begun on Saturday. He explained that the primary objective is to take action against illegal immigrants and those facilitating such activities.

"Illegal foreigners are being detained in these raid operations. Many individuals are being apprehended in this manner. These people are being given the opportunity to regularize their status through the regularization program launched by the government," Mujuthaba stated.

He confirmed that foreigners detained in this manner would be granted a chance to rectify their situation.

Immigration reported on Tuesday that a significant raid was conducted from 16:00 to 18:00, during which 463 locations were searched and 932 foreigners were checked. According to immigration, 81 illegal immigrants were apprehended during this operation.