Maldives Immigration has made significant progress in its efforts to tackle the issue of illegal immigration, according to Controller General Shamman Waheed. Speaking in a recent interview with PSM News, Shamman highlighted ongoing operations targeting businesses that operate under the names of Maldivians but are run by foreign nationals, many of which have been set up in residential areas.
These businesses, often involved in food production, have raised serious concerns due to poor hygiene practices and the misrepresentation of their products as locally made. “We are seeing a pattern where households are being turned into unregulated factories, posing risks to public health,” Shamman noted.
Over the past year, Maldives Immigration, in collaboration with enforcement agencies under the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, has implemented various measures to address illegal immigration. Key achievements include reforms to the immigration system and the development of specialized software to enhance operational efficiency and improve information sharing among government agencies.
One of the most notable outcomes has been the deportation of over 5,000 foreign nationals who were found to be involved in illegal business activities. Shamman revealed that special inspections are ongoing to identify undocumented foreigners, with hefty fines imposed on companies found employing them.
The government is also accelerating its efforts to gather comprehensive data on all foreign workers in the Maldives. This includes the collection of biometric information to ensure accurate identification and better regulation of foreign nationals residing in the country.
These initiatives mark a concerted effort by the government to address a longstanding issue, aiming to safeguard public health, ensure lawful employment practices, and maintain the integrity of the local economy.
