Over 35 Bangladeshi Nationals Handed Over for Deportation

The Maldives Police Service has handed 38 Bangladeshi nationals to Maldives Immigration for deportation in connection with alleged illicit activities, including drug possession and use, as well as gambling.

The police stated that the individuals were taken into custody during a joint operation conducted yesterday by Police Intelligence and the Drug Enforcement Department. The operation was carried out based on intelligence reports indicating involvement in unlawful activities.

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Authorities confirmed that all 38 individuals detained are Bangladeshi men. They have since been transferred to the custody of Maldives Immigration to proceed with deportation in accordance with the Immigration Act.

The involvement of foreign nationals in serious crimes, including drug-related offences and violent activities, has been identified as a growing concern in the Maldives. The presence of undocumented migrants and instances of criminal behaviour among certain groups continue to pose challenges for authorities.

The current administration has pledged to address the issue of undocumented migrants within the first three years of its term. As part of this effort, Operation Kurangi has been launched to collect biometric data and regularise undocumented workers. Minister of Home Affairs Ali Ihusaan has previously stated that, upon completion of the initiative, the identities of all foreign nationals in the country will be verified to strengthen accountability mechanisms.