The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has announced that the State has recovered MVR 1.2 billion in outstanding fees owed for expatriate workers in the Maldives.

Speaking to State media, Minister of State for Homeland Security Abdul Majeed Ibrahim said the recovery was achieved under Operation Kurangi, a programme launched to identify all expatriates working in the country and ensure compliance with regulations.

When the current Administration assumed office in November 2023, unpaid expatriate fees totalled MVR 1.7 billion, according to the State Minister. He noted that Government efforts had since reclaimed MVR 1.2 billion, which he described as a significant step towards resolving the long-standing migrant worker crisis.

So far, more than 160,000 migrant workers have been registered under Operation Kurangi. Of the 68,251 individuals licensed to bring in foreign workers, the Ministry confirmed that 13,755 permits had been suspended due to non-compliance.

The Ministry has also restricted services for those defaulting on migrant worker fees, a measure that has compelled many to settle their dues. The State Minister stressed that further action will be taken against individuals or entities failing to comply with directives issued by the Ministry.