Maldives Immigration has detained 39 expatriates from fishing vessels docked near the Malé Fish Market area. The individuals were taken into custody during a targeted operation following public complaints, aimed at identifying undocumented migrants in the area.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts to reduce the number of foreigners living in the Maldives in violation of immigration laws. Immigration authorities have been conducting searches at expatriate accommodations and workplace locations, including shops, cafés, restaurants, and salons.

To date, authorities have discovered and deported over 5,000 undocumented foreign nationals. Additionally, the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology is leading a nationwide effort to document all expatriates living in the Maldives. Information collection is currently underway in 138 islands, with over 10,000 expatriates already registered in the system.

Home Minister Ihusan has estimated that all foreign nationals in the country will be entered into the database by April next year, as part of the government’s broader plans to address undocumented migration.