Over 4,000 Expatriates Documented Under Maldives' Operation Kurangi

Operation Kurangi, an initiative launched in May by the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology to regularize undocumented migrants, has collected biometric data—including photos and fingerprints—from over 4,000 expatriates.

According to details shared by the Ministry, the operation is active on 45 inhabited islands across the Maldives. So far, 4,272 expatriates' biometric data have been recorded, and all expatriates from eight of those islands are now registered in the system.

Kaafu Maafushi, a hub for tourism-related businesses, recorded the highest number of expatriates, with 1,076 individuals registered. The second highest number was recorded in Kaafu Hinmafushi, where 701 expatriates' biometric data was collected. Hinmafushi was also the first island to begin the operation.

Operation Kurangi Biometric Data Collection Figures:

  • HA. Dhidhhoo: 390 expatriates
  • R. Alifushi: 178 expatriates
  • R. Dhuvaafaru: 140 expatriates
  • K. Gaafaru: 105 expatriates
  • K. Hinmafushi: 701 expatriates
  • K. Maafushi: 1,076 expatriates
  • L. Gan: 200 expatriates
  • Hithadhoo, Addu City: 114 expatriates

Operation Kurangi is being led by the Ministry of Homeland Security in collaboration with the Maldives Police Service and Maldives Immigration. The initiative's goal is to create a comprehensive biometric database of all expatriates in the Maldives, ensuring that by the end of the operation, no expatriates in the country will be undocumented. The operation, expected to last three years, is being conducted in two phases.

Minister Ali Ihusan has emphasized that this effort will ensure that only verified expatriates remain in the Maldives by the end of the campaign. This operation follows a similar initiative launched in 2019 under former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration, during which over 40,000 expatriates were registered. However, the issue of undocumented migrants was not fully resolved at that time, and the registration process was eventually halted.

In addition to Operation Kurangi, Maldives Immigration is also running a separate initiative aimed at identifying, deporting, and enforcing regulations on undocumented expatriates. Since President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu took office, more than 4,000 expatriates have already been deported as part of this ongoing effort.

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