More than 12,000 undocumented expatriates have been repatriated from the Maldives as part of ongoing efforts to address illegal migration, according to Maldives Immigration.

Immigration statistics show that 12,552 undocumented expatriates were repatriated between 17 November 2023 and 13 June 2026 under Operation Kurangi, a nationwide initiative launched to identify and regularise expatriates living and working in the Maldives.

The Government and Maldives Immigration have been working to find a long-term solution to the issue of undocumented expatriates. Under Operation Kurangi, information on more than 202,000 expatriates has been collected so far. The Government has also stated that expatriates found residing or working illegally will face deportation.

Authorities said efforts to address the issue will continue over the next six months through the third phase of Operation Kurangi. The new phase will focus on identifying and repatriating undocumented expatriates, including those without valid work permits or visas.

Immigration said the latest phase will also introduce easier arrangements for expatriate workers to pay work permit fees, including workers who have not previously settled such payments. The move is aimed at encouraging businesses to regularise their expatriate workforce and ensure compliance with immigration regulations.