Maldives Immigration has detained 15 foreign nationals during a recent raid at the Hulhumalé Phase 1 island market as part of a broader crackdown on illegal employment and undocumented immigrants.

According to a statement released via Immigration’s official X account, a total of 37 individuals were inspected during the operation. 

Of those, 10 men and 5 women were found to be working in the market without proper authorization or visa’s and were subsequently taken into custody for illegally conducting business.

The operation is part of a wider campaign by the Immigration Department to curb illegal immigration and enforce compliance with visa and labor regulations. 

Authorities confirmed that they are actively identifying foreign nationals who are working or engaging in business without valid documentation.

The government is also rolling out a biometric data collection system to accurately monitor the number of foreign nationals residing in the country and improve immigration oversight.

To date, more than 7,000 undocumented individuals have been deported in an ongoing effort to provide a lasting solution to illegal immigration in the Maldives.