The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has so far collected information on more than 25,000 foreigners under Operation Karangi, Minister Ali Ali Ihusaan said.

Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan, announced that the government has collected biometric data of 1,455 foreign workers during a large-scale operation conducted in the Malé area. 

The operation, conducted earlier today, marks the beginning of a broader initiative targeting both private and public spaces in the region.

The collected data includes 10 fingerprints and photographs for facial recognition purposes.

This effort is part of Operation ‘Kurangi’, launched on May 2, of last year, to systematically gather biometric information of all foreign nationals residing in the Maldives.

Minister Ihusaan revealed that, to date, biometric data of 25,483 foreigners have been collected. 

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on November 17, 2024, disclosed that 10,000 individuals had been registered at that time. 

Since then, an additional 15,000 foreign workers have been added to the database over the past two months.

The initiative is part of a three-year plan aimed at addressing the issue of illegal immigrants in the Maldives. 

The Minister stated that the operation is expected to conclude by April 2027, ensuring a permanent resolution to the longstanding problem.

Minister Ihusaan expressed gratitude to the employees and local councils involved in the operation, highlighting their critical role in resolving issues related to foreign nationals.

Currently, biometric data collection efforts are underway on 185 islands, with work already completed on 55 islands. 

Additionally, more than 5,000 illegal immigrants have been deported as part of a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Maldives Police Service, and the Immigration Department.