Crackdown on illegal trade: Immigration targets foreigners and facilitators

Maldives Immigration Controller General Ahmed Faseeh announced on Sunday a significant national operation aimed at apprehending and deporting foreigners engaged in illegal trade.

This initiative comes amidst concerns that influential Maldivians are facilitating such illicit activities.

The operation commenced on Sunday, with initial searches conducted in nine areas of Malé city. While Immigration has confirmed these searches, details regarding the number of foreigners detained or deported are yet to be released.

ގަވާއިދާ ޚިލާފަށް އުޅޭ ބިދޭސީން ހޯދުމުގެ ޤައުމީ އޮޕަރޭޝަން ފަށައިފި@ImmigrationMV pic.twitter.com/GHHJ8sGSbX

— PSM News (@psmnewsmv) September 21, 2025

Speaking at the launch ceremony and in an interview with state media PSM, Faseeh highlighted that a considerable portion of illegal businesses in the Maldives are operated by Maldivian citizens. Consequently, enforcement actions will target both foreign nationals and Maldivians involved in these unauthorized commercial ventures.

Faseeh acknowledged the complexity of the operation, noting the involvement of influential individuals and established business figures. He emphasized that success hinges on diligent and concerted efforts.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Mohamed Dawood outlined a three-phase approach for the operation. The initial phase will concentrate on the Male’ area, followed by densely populated islands in the second phase, and finally, smaller populated islands in the third phase.

Concurrently, the Homeland Ministry continues its 'Operation Kurangi,' focused on gathering information on expatriates. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu recently reported that the government has identified 178,982 foreigners and has already deported over 8,000 illegal immigrants as part of ongoing efforts to address immigration and trade irregularities.