Maldives Immigration has detained 12 undocumented immigrants during a special operation conducted in Hulhumalé.

The authority revealed that 20 expatriates were stopped and screened during the operation carried out in Hulhumalé Phase I on 15 June. Of those screened, 12 were found to be residing in the Maldives without valid documentation and were taken into custody.

Immigration said arrangements are underway to repatriate those detained during the operation.

The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by Immigration to identify and remove expatriates living and working illegally in the Maldives.