The government’s Operation Kurangi, aimed at regularizing illegal immigrants, has collected biometric data from 18,919 foreigners since its launch on May 2.

Speaking on the "Sarukaaru" website, Home Ministry State Minister Abdul Majeed highlighted that the operation has been conducted in 194 islands so far, with 50 islands fully completed. The initiative, which spans two phases over a three-year period, is a comprehensive effort to address the issue of illegal immigration in the Maldives.

Key Phases of Operation Kurangi:

1. First Phase:Foreigners are fingerprinted and their data is verified to ensure compliance with Maldivian laws and regulations.
2. Second Phase:Focuses on identifying undocumented and illegal immigrants. Collaboration with respective embassies will facilitate the deportation of those found to be in violation of immigration laws.

A Balanced Approach:

The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology clarified that the operation aims not only to enforce laws but also to provide foreigners the opportunity to regularize their status in the Maldives.

The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministry, Police, and Immigration to address illegal immigration effectively. To date, over 5,000 illegal immigrants have been deported through joint operations.

Operation Kurangi is a significant step toward ensuring a regulated and lawful presence of foreign workers in the Maldives while addressing concerns related to illegal immigration.