On Friday evening, police confirmed that nine expatriates were arrested and placed in Immigration custody after a collaborative effort in Male' city by the Maldives Police Service, Immigration, Customs, and the Ministry of Economic Development.

A police social media update indicated that during the operation, eleven sites were searched, encompassing commercial establishments, homes, and a brick-making facility. The detentions were a component of a wider initiative against unlawful foreigner actions.

The action comes after Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed stated on Thursday night that the push to tackle the problem of irregular expatriates would be intensified this week, with noticeable outcomes anticipated shortly.

Minister Saeed additionally conveyed a message from the Economic Ministry, encouraging the public to provide details on unlawful expatriates and foreign-operated enterprises. The ministry reported that it has received many complaints regarding extensive illicit foreign trade, including instances where expatriates run businesses by hiding ownership through local partners.

The ministry also mentioned that certain expatriates are involved in sectors banned by the Foreign Investment Act, leading to heightened enforcement efforts.

In a subsequent post on Friday, Minister Saeed disclosed that 29 businesses had been reported in the initial 41 hours after the reporting channel for illegal activities was launched.