Naveen: No leniency for illegal immigrants, strict action will be taken

Police Commissioner Ismail Naveen has declared that Maldivian authorities will show no leniency to illegal immigrants and will take stringent action against individuals who enter and work in the Maldives unlawfully.

In a post on X, Naveen emphasized that the police will not tolerate illegal foreigners, nor will they condone those who exploit immigrants for human trafficking.

"While the presence of foreign workers operating in accordance with regulations is acceptable, action will be taken against those who enter the Maldives illegally," Naveen stated.

He further highlighted that human trafficking is a crime that brutally exploits vulnerable individuals and has a detrimental impact on society. Naveen affirmed that the police are committed to bringing human traffickers to justice and safeguarding public rights.

Naveen's statement aligns with the immigration raid operations that commenced last Saturday, following President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's directive. This declaration appears to be a response to a report by Sun, which indicated that Immigration plans to allow illegal immigrants to regularize their status on Wednesday, reinforcing the president's stance that no leniency will be extended.

Chief Immigration Officer Ahmed Mujuthaba confirmed, "Illegal foreigners are being detained in these raid operations. Many individuals are being apprehended in this manner. These people are being given the opportunity to regularize their status through the regularization program launched by the government."

He further verified that foreigners detained during these operations would be granted a chance to rectify their situation.