Immigration: Over 63,000 illegal migrant workers in Maldives

There are currently over 63,000 illegal migrant workers living in Maldives, says Maldives Immigration.

Speaking during a press conference held by Maldives Immigration this Thursday, Controller General of Immigration, Mohamed Ahmed Hussain (Hanafee) said that 144,607 migrants are in Maldives on work visa.

“Out of them, more than 63,000 are estimated to be living as illegal immigrant workers. Extra quota of 100 migrant workers has been allowed to cafes against regulations. And extra quota of 80 to guesthouses. This has been done without any regard to regulations,” said Hanafee, who was appointed Controller General of Immigration on December 23.

He noted that the public perception regarding the Maldives Immigration has suffered a severe blow.

“Several projects have been allowed 3,700 quotas outside of regulations,” said Hanafee.

He stressed the large population of illegal migrant workers in Maldives, and asked for assistance from public in order to curtail the practice.

Hanafee said that 112 migrant workers were deported for violation of immigration regulations and arrest on a myriad of criminal charges including drug abuse and robbery.

“The number of medically unfit migrant workers sent back in 2018 also shows an increase. 434 people were sent back for being medically unfit in 2017. And the figure rose to 531 in 2018,” said Hanafee.

He said the number of migrant workers on the run has also increased.

Maldives Immigration identified 2,734 runaway migrant workers in 2018.

Hanafee announced Maldives Immigration has launched a special operation, Operation Stingray, to curtail the illegal migrant population.

Under Operation Stingray, Maldives immigration will probe the migrant population and offer illegal migrant workers the option of returning to their home country on their own accord, barring which illegal migrant workers will be deported.

He also announced the agency has started work on identifying loopholes in immigration law and drafting revisions.

He added that the agency was cancelling quotas granted outside of regulations and fining guilty parties.

Hanafee appealed to the public not to approach any employee of Maldives Immigration with requests for anything irregular or unlawful.