Maldives Immigration has reported that more than 1,000 cases related to undocumented migrants have been filed through the Immigration Watch platform since its launch on 17th July this year.

The platform, designed to enable the public to report incidents related to undocumented migrants, has become a key tool in addressing immigration issues in the Maldives.

As of November, Immigration Watch received 1,017 reports, with the majority concerning illegal trade involving migrant workers. The second most reported issue pertained to work visa violations, accounting for 239 cases. Additionally, 65 cases of human trafficking were reported.

Of the 1,017 cases filed, 39 are currently under verification, while 187 cases remain unverified. During this period, 81 cases specifically linked to the immigration agency were also reported.

Maldives Immigration has previously stated that addressing illegal immigration is a priority for the Government. As such, efforts by the authorities include conducting operations in Malé City and extending them to other inhabited islands, resorts, industrial hubs, and agricultural islands. Authorities have also launched special raids targeting eateries that pose public safety risks.

Maldives Immigration revealed that over 5,000 undocumented migrants have been deported as part of its ongoing efforts to resolve the migrant crisis. In addition, the government is working towards creating a unified database for all expatriates in the country. This initiative aims to streamline information management and resolve challenges faced by migrant workers within three years.