Gov’t Launches ‘Operation Kurangi’ to Combat Illegal Migration in K. Maafushi

Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology’s ‘Operation Kurangi’, aimed at combating illegal migration, has commenced in K. Maafushi following its launch last month from K. Himmafushi on May 2nd.

Implemented in phases, the initial stage of the operation focuses on gathering biometric information from migrant workers across the Maldives. As of the end of last month, officials reported the successful collection of biometric data from 705 expatriates in Himmafushi.

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

In an announcement on X, the Home Ministry confirmed the operation’s deployment in Maafushi, marking its ongoing expansion. Home Minister Ali Ihusaan indicated plans to extend the initiative to five additional regions in the near future.

Speaking at the ‘Ahaa’ public forum in April, Minister Ihusaan outlined a three-year strategy to address the issue of undocumented migrants. He emphasised that the current biometric data collection is just the first phase of the operation, slated for completion within one year. 

Following this, the government intends to regularise the status of all undocumented migrants whose data is integrated into the system.

Minister Ihusaan underscored that while non-compliant individuals risk deportation, the primary objective remains to provide opportunities for migrants to legalise their status, rather than punitive measures.