Immigration Identifies Over 80 Undocumented Foreign Workers in Addu City
Maldives Immigration detains 83 undocumented workers in Addu City raid | Photo: Maldives Immigration
Maldives Immigration has identified 83 undocumented foreign workers in Addu City during a special raid targeting illegal migrants.
Highlights from today’s “Operation Hamamagu” conducted in Addu City, one of the largest enforcement operations of the year.@PoliceMv @AdduCityCouncil @HomeMinistrymv pic.twitter.com/K9eGTGyheL
— Maldives Immigration (@ImmigrationMV) June 25, 2025advertisement
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The operation, named “Operation Hama Magu,” was carried out on last Wednesday with the involvement of 25 immigration officers and 25 police officers.
Controller General of Immigration Ahmed Faseeh, alongside other senior officials from Maldives Immigration, also participated in the operation, which covered all wards of Addu City.
A total of 678 foreign nationals were checked for legal status during the operation. Of these, 83 were found to be working illegally and have since been taken into immigration custody. Notices were issued to 75 individuals who were discovered to be employing undocumented workers.
The operation forms part of wider efforts to address the issue of illegal migrants in the Maldives. Despite numerous opportunities provided to undocumented foreign workers to regularise their status, a significant number remain undocumented, according to the Maldives Immigration.
The aim of the operation is to find a swift and effective solution to the illegal migration issue while ensuring the safety and security of citizens. This includes reducing public health risks and taking action against illegal migrants and those who facilitate their employment.
In addition to the crackdown on undocumented workers, Maldives Immigration is conducting further special operations targeting foreign nationals operating businesses in the country without valid visas.
The current government has prioritised solving the problem of illegal migration. Alongside enforcement actions, the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has launched “Operation Kurangi,” which focuses on collecting biometric data from foreigners residing in the Maldives as part of broader measures to regulate the foreign workforce.
