As part of ongoing efforts to tackle illegal immigration, Maldives Immigration conducted raids on 13 business establishments located at Hiyaa flats in Hulhumale’ Phase II on Saturday.

The operation, which targeted a range of shops, cafes, restaurants, and a salon, resulted in the detention of three illegal expatriates working at two of these businesses.

In a statement posted on X on Sunday, Immigration authorities confirmed that eight shops, four cafes and restaurants, and one salon were searched as part of the operation.

The crackdown is part of a larger strategy to identify and either deport illegal expatriates residing and working in the Maldives.

To support these efforts, the Ministry of Home Affairs has launched ‘Kurangi,’ an operation aimed at collecting biometric data of migrants in the country

. This initiative is designed to create a comprehensive registry of foreign workers to better manage the immigration process and prevent illegal employment.