Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan has stated that the public now believes that the government’s efforts to address illegal migration will provide a permanent solution to the issue.
Speaking on PSM News’ Raajje Miadhu programme, the Minister said the government’s objective is to restore public confidence in the services provided by uniformed institutions. Despite existing laws when the current administration took over, the laws were not properly enforced, which led to diminishing public trust in these institutions, he noted. Misconduct by some employees also contributed to the loss of confidence, he added.
The Minister said Operation Kurangi was launched as part of renewed efforts, under which biometric data of over 202,000 foreigners residing in the Maldives were collected. This is approximately 90 percent of all foreign workers in the country, he said.
A mass legalisation programme for those who have already submitted their biometric data will be conducted from 1 January to end of April next year. At the programme’s conclusion, a targeted operation will be conducted to arrest and deport any undocumented migrants, and will run until 1 May, 2027.
The Minister reiterated that the government’s aim is to resolve the foreigner issue and maintain public trust in institutions.