Gov’t Aims to Conclude Biometric Data Collection of Expats by April

The Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan, has announced that the process of collecting biometric data from expatriate workers under Operation Kurangi is projected to be completed by April next year. 

The initiative is part of the government’s effort to address the issue of illegal immigration in the Maldives. Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office yesterday, Minister Ihusaan confirmed that the first phase of the operation has been expanded nationwide. He provided an update on the current progress, revealing that biometric data collection is taking place across 82 locations in the country. So far, the fingerprints and biometric details of 6,891 foreign nationals have been recorded.

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

“The target is to complete the first phase before April, with work expected to finish by January,” Ihusaan stated, indicating the government’s commitment to staying on schedule.

Operation Kurangi is structured in three phases, aimed at gathering comprehensive information on foreign nationals residing in the Maldives. The operation seeks to establish the nationality of these individuals and collect key details, including their local sponsors or employers.

By the end of the first year, the government intends to have a clearer understanding of the number of expatriates across various regions, their countries of origin, and their legal status. In the second and third years, the focus will shift to using biometric data and photo identification to address the issue of undocumented individuals.

For those whose details are not available in the government’s system, authorities plan to liaise with the relevant embassies to obtain original documentation. If necessary, the confirmed identities will be used for potential deportation proceedings.