Documented Foreign Workforce in Maldives Surges to 62% Under Government Drive, Says Home Minister

Home Minister Ali Ihusan has announced that the government’s nationwide initiative, “Operation Kurangi,” has significantly improved compliance among foreign workers, with the proportion of documented expatriates rising from 28 percent to 62 percent.

Speaking at a media briefing held at the President's Office, the minister outlined progress made since the operation began in May 2024.

He revealed that at the outset, official records showed 148,417 foreign nationals in the Maldives were in non-compliant categories. These included individuals who had not paid required work permit fees or were residing in the country without valid visas. However, he noted that authorities were unable at the time to confirm whether all individuals listed were still physically present in the country.

“At that time, looking through the system, only 28.97 percent of foreign nationals were considered to be in compliance. Through our efforts over the past two years, we have increased the number of fully documented individuals who have paid their fees from 28 percent to 62 percent,” Ihusan said.

The minister also announced the next phase of the operation, with Phase 3 scheduled to begin on May 2. He said the government will launch an intensive one-year effort aimed at locating, arresting, and deporting any remaining undocumented individuals residing in the Maldives.

“Operation Kurangi” forms part of broader government efforts to strengthen immigration controls and ensure proper documentation of foreign workers in the country.