As of July 11, 2013, a total of 2,013 foreigners have been deported from the Maldives since November 17 of the previous year, according to the Controller of Immigration, Mohamed Shamaan Waheed.

At a press conference hosted by the Ministry of Homeland Security & Technology today, Shamaan disclosed that the deportations include individuals accused of serious crimes across various islands.

He emphasized that the immigration authorities are actively tracking down illegal immigrants, with 120 individuals arrested so far and currently in the process of being deported.

"We have taken 120 people into immigration custody and are currently deporting them," Shamaan stated.

In addition, a joint operation by the Immigration Department and the Police resulted in the arrest of seven more foreigners and the closure of a café yesterday.

Shamaan stated that another press conference will be held this week to provide further details on the issues.