Over 8,800 foreigners residing illegally in Maldives sent back last year

Department of Immigration and Emigration has said that more than 8,800 foreigners who resided illegally in Maldives have been sent back to their countries last year.

A statement released by the Immigration Department read that while 8,815 foreigners who resided illegally in Maldives have been sent back to their countries last year, 282 foreigners in relation to different types of offences have been deported from Maldives during 2013.

Immigration Department said that, in 2013, an average of 45 foreigners have left Maldives in a week on their own while a total of 247 foreigners have left Maldives on their own in the month of January this year, which is an average of 11 foreigners daily.

The Department noted that registration for foreigners without a valid document in residing in Maldives, who want to leave Maldives on their own, will be opened on Tuesday and Thursday next week.

Police and immigration Department conduct various operations to identify and reduce foreigners working illegally in the Maldives.

Immigration Department said that a system will be established during this year to ensure foreigners' entrance to Maldives by coordinating with their respective countries.