No Legalisation for Detained Expats, Says Immigration 

Maldives immigration authorities have announced that expatriates detained during ongoing raids for violating the country’s immigration laws will not be given the opportunity to legalise their status.

https://x.com/ImmigrationMV/status/1813575577196196274

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During a press conference yesterday, Immigration Controller Mohamed Shamaan Waheed clarified that the chance to become legalised is available through the ‘Kurangi’ programme. This initiative, currently being implemented nationwide, aims to create a registry of undocumented expatriates.

“Becoming legalised promptly is the smart approach,” Waheed said. “However, once detained, that opportunity is no longer provided. They will be deported.”

Immigration officials have revealed that a total of 2,013 expatriates living in the Maldives in violation of regulations were deported over the past seven months.

The current crackdown targets expatriates running businesses illegally. Recent raid operations resulted in the detention of 120 expatriates and the closure of such businesses.

Authorities have also raided two local markets on separate occasions, apprehending foreigners operating stalls. Other targeted areas include small retail stores, takeaway coffee shops, and spas being used as fronts for prostitution.