Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan has said the Government is working to introduce a whitelist system for companies that comply with regulations and properly pay fees when employing expatriate workers.

Speaking on State media about the issue of undocumented expatriates in the Maldives, Minister Ihusaan said the aim is to establish a system that is accepted by the public while also meeting international standards before the end of the current Administration.

He said the proposed whitelist would include companies that are properly registered, regularly pay required fees to MIRA and have no cases linked to human trafficking identified within the system.

The Homeland Security Minister said the initiative forms part of the Government’s “Maldives 2.0” digital transformation agenda.

The Minister also said the Maldives Data Exchange system would support long-term solutions to issues related to expatriate workers by improving coordination and resolving administrative challenges across institutions.

Highlighting ongoing efforts under the third phase of Operation Kurangi, launched to address undocumented expatriates living in the country, Minister Ihusaan said authorities have detained 254 foreigners found to be residing in the Maldives in violation of regulations.

He added that the current phase of the operation is focused on locating expatriates who have not submitted biometric information.