Third phase of ‘Operation Kurangi’ launches in May; even migrants with outstanding visa fees face immediate deportation

The third phase of ‘Operation Kurangi’ will launch on May 2, under which all irregular migrants, even those with outstanding visa fees, will be subject to immediate deportation, says Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusan.

The Maldives launched a crackdown on irregular migration in 2023. And in May 2024, the authorities launched ‘Operation Kurangi’, an initiative to collect the biometric data of all expatriates working in the Maldives.

At a press briefing on Thursday, Ihusan told reporters that documents show that when ‘Operation Kurangi’ launched, there were some 148,417 migrants residing in the country without a work permit, visa, or other mandatory papers.

But he said that authorities weren’t able to verify whether all 148,417 migrants were actually present in the country at the time.

He said that authorities were able to bring down the population of undocumented migrants from 72 percent to 38 percent over the last two years.

“Phase III of Operation Kurangi will begin on May 2. For a one-year period from that date, we will be working on identifying, arresting and deporting irregular migrants,” he said.

Addressing employers, Ihusan noted that the status of migrant workers and the deadlines for visa payments is clearly visible on the Xpat system, and urged them to ensure all fees are paid on time.

“Starting May 2, 2026, any migrant who hasn’t had their fees paid that the law enforcement meets will be immediately deported,” he warned.

Ihusan said that the authorities have collected the biometrics of some 206,0000 migrants through ‘Operation Kurangi’, while 2,933 migrants have yet to provide their fingerprints.

He said that Maldives Immigration has identified these individuals.

Ihusan said the government aims to provide a permanent solution to the issue of irregular migration within the coming one-year period.