Maldives Immigration have stepped up efforts to combat illegal immigration, detaining 31 undocumented foreigners during a targeted operation in the capital, Malé.

The individuals were arrested from foreign-influenced businesses on Dhilbahaaru Magu, where they were found without valid visas or work permits. 

According to a statement on the Immigration Department’s official ‘X’ account, the raid was part of a special enforcement operation targeting non-compliant foreign-run enterprises.

This move forms part of a broader campaign by the government to curb unlawful residency and employment, and to enforce stricter compliance with visa and labor regulations. 

Authorities said they are continuing to identify individuals working or conducting business in the country without the required documentation.

To improve monitoring, the government is also rolling out a national biometric data collection system, aimed at tracking the number of foreign nationals residing in the Maldives and strengthening oversight mechanisms.

Since the beginning of its term, the administration has deported over 7,000 undocumented migrants and has pledged to resolve the issue of illegal immigration within its first three years.