A total of 12,552 undocumented expatriates have been deported from the Maldives between November 17, 2023 and June 13 this year, according to the latest statistics released by Maldives Immigration.

The figure includes both individuals deported for immigration offences and those who were repatriated through other immigration procedures. Immigration has been working alongside the Maldives Police Service to identify and remove undocumented expatriates as part of the Government's ongoing enforcement efforts.

More than 202,000 expatriates have been registered under Operation Kurangi, the nationwide operation aimed at addressing undocumented immigrants. Authorities have also announced that, from next year, expatriates found to be residing or working in the Maldives illegally will be deported without further opportunity to regularise their status.

The Government has said efforts to establish a long-term solution to undocumented migration will continue over the next six months. The third phase of Operation Kurangi will focus on identifying and removing individuals working illegally, as well as expatriates without valid work permits or visas. 

The new phase will also introduce measures to facilitate the payment of outstanding work permit fees, with the aim of encouraging employers to regularise their foreign workforce and comply with immigration regulations.