Minister says 98% of migrant workers now biometrically recorded; hunt begins for those evading the system

Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan says around 2,800 foreigners remain unaccounted for in atoll areas after failing to submit their biometric details, and will be repatriated within the next six months.

The minister made the remarks Saturday evening as the third phase of Operation Kurangi, the nationwide campaign to identify and collect data on irregular immigrants, was conducted in Male'.

The operation is jointly carried out by the Homeland Security Ministry, Immigration, Police, Economic Ministry, Maldives Red Crescent and Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA).

Ihusaan told reporters that only 27 percent of the nearly 296,000 active work‑permit holders had their fingerprints recorded when the current administration took office, due to what he described as the previous governments’ failure to address the issue effectively. He said that figure has now reached 98 percent.

“The next step is to find and deport the remaining 2,800 people who are evading the system without giving fingerprints,” Ihusaan said.

Nugavaidhun ulhey bidheyseen hoadhai, emeehunge mauloomaathu negumah miadhu Immigration aai, Police in kuriah gendhiya Kurangi Operation Phase 3 ge therein — Sun Photo/ Shathiu Abdullah

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He added that visa and work‑permit fees are now being processed in accordance with regulations, and that arrangements will be made to repatriate foreigners once payments are settled.

Ihusaan said he has asked the government to ensure the issue of illegal immigrants is fully resolved before November.

The latest operation covered 24 zones across Male', with three teams deployed in the largest zones and two in the smaller ones.

In a post on X on Saturday, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said biometric data, including ten fingerprints and clear facial photographs, has now been collected for 98 percent of migrant workers. He wrote that the remaining irregular immigrants will be traced and deported within six months as part of efforts to find a permanent solution to the problem.