Maldives Immigration has launched a special nationwide operation to identify and deport foreign nationals who have failed to submit their biometric data under Operation Kurangi.

The initiative marks the third phase of Operation Kurangi, a Government initiative aimed at strengthening the management of expatriate workers in the Maldives.

A ceremony was held on Saturday to inaugurate the latest phase, attended by Controller General of Immigration Ahmed Faseeh, senior Immigration officials and members of the task force overseeing the operation.

During the first phase of Operation Kurangi, authorities collected biometric data, including all ten fingerprints and facial photographs, from 98 per cent of foreign workers residing in the Maldives.

The second phase focused on regularising undocumented workers by allowing them to legalise their status. Immigration said more than 60 per cent of expatriate workers have since been brought into compliance with immigration regulations.

The third phase will target foreign nationals who did not provide biometric data. Immigration officials will locate these individuals and initiate deportation procedures.

In a recent post on X, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said the operation to identify and deport unregistered foreign workers would continue over the next six months.

Immigration said enforcement operations began on Saturday and will be carried out across the country.