Maldives Immigration has detained 27 expatriates during an enforcement operation at the West Harbor Food Courts in Malé, following reports of individuals allegedly living and working in violation of the country's immigration laws.

According to Maldives Immigration, its Task Force inspected 88 expatriates during the operation, which was carried out Monday night.

Of those screened, 27 were found to be residing or working illegally and were taken into custody for further action.

The operation forms part of the government's broader effort to address undocumented migration, which the administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has identified as a national security priority.

Maldives Immigration and the Maldives Police Service have expanded joint enforcement operations across the Greater Malé Area to identify and remove individuals who are living or working in the country unlawfully.

Authorities have intensified the nationwide crackdown on irregular migration since 2023.

During that period, more than 12,000 undocumented expatriates have been deported from the Maldives.

The government also launched Operation Kurangi in May 2024 to collect biometric data from expatriate workers across the country.

According to Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan, the initiative has helped reduce the proportion of undocumented migrants from 72 percent to 38 percent over the past two years.

The third phase of Operation Kurangi, introduced in May this year, focuses on the rapid identification, detention, and deportation of undocumented expatriates, as well as individuals with outstanding visa-related obligations.