President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the final phase of the government’s nationwide operation to identify and deport undocumented migrants has officially begun.
The operation, launched under “Operation Kurangi,” is aimed at locating foreign nationals living in the Maldives without valid documentation or work permits. Authorities say the third phase will involve coordinated efforts between the Maldives Immigration, Maldives Police Service, and local councils across the country.
According to the government, expatriates who remain unregistered or fail to regularize their status will now face immediate deportation without additional opportunities for compliance. Officials stated that biometric data collection and monitoring efforts have already been expanded as part of the wider crackdown on illegal migration.
President Muizzu said the initiative is intended to strengthen national security, improve labour regulation, and create more employment opportunities for Maldivians. The administration also noted that thousands of undocumented expatriates have already been deported since the operation began in 2023.
