Authorities have launched a large-scale immigration operation in Addu City to locate and take action against undocumented migrants, marking the first such operation conducted outside the capital Malé.

The operation is part of a nationwide initiative led by the Maldives Immigration and supported by the Maldives Police Service. A total of 50 officers, 25 from each agency, are involved in the operation, working in 13 teams to inspect all districts of Addu City.

The teams were deployed following a special briefing at the National College of Policing and Law Enforcement at 7:00 a.m.

Controller General of Immigration Ahmed Faseeh and other senior immigration officials are overseeing the operation on-site.

According to officials, the campaign aims to address the presence of foreign nationals residing or working in the Maldives without valid documentation. The authorities noted that although legal pathways for migrant employment exist, a number of individuals continue to remain outside the regulatory framework.

The operation is also focused on identifying those operating businesses without the appropriate work or business visas, as well as local individuals or entities facilitating such illegal employment. The broader objective is to safeguard national security, uphold immigration laws and reduce public health risks. 

Immigration officials confirmed that similar operations will be carried out in other regions in the coming weeks, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance border and migration control.