12 expats detained in Immigration raid on Hulhumale’ garage

Maldives Immigration detained 12 expatriate workers during a raid on a garage in Hulhumale' Phase I on June 15, 2026. The raid was conducted by a special task force of Immigration and police targeting irregular migration. Of 20 expats inspected, 12 were found violating immigration regulations and detained. The crackdown, launched in 2023, has resulted in over 12,000 deportations. 'Operation Kurangi', initiated in May 2024, collects biometric data of all expatriates. Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusan reported that the operation reduced undocumented migrants from 72% to 38% over two years. The third phase of Operation Kurangi, rolled out in May 2026, focuses on immediate identification, arrest, and deportation of undocumented expats and those with outstanding visa fees.

Maldives Immigration detained 12 expatriate workers during a raid on a garage in Hulhumale' Phase I on June 15, 2026. The raid was conducted by a special task force of Immigration and police targeting irregular migration. Of 20 expats inspected, 12 were found violating immigration regulations and detained. The crackdown, launched in 2023, has resulted in over 12,000 deportations. 'Operation Kurangi', initiated in May 2024, collects biometric data of all expatriates. Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusan reported that the operation reduced undocumented migrants from 72% to 38% over two years. The third phase of Operation Kurangi, rolled out in May 2026, focuses on immediate identification, arrest, and deportation of undocumented expats and those with outstanding visa fees.

Maldives Immigration detained 12 expatriate workers during a raid on a garage in Hulhumale' Phase I on June 15, 2026. The raid was conducted by a special task force of Immigration and police targeting irregular migration. Of 20 expats inspected, 12 were found violating immigration regulations and detained. The crackdown, launched in 2023, has resulted in over 12,000 deportations. 'Operation Kurangi', initiated in May 2024, collects biometric data of all expatriates. Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusan reported that the operation reduced undocumented migrants from 72% to 38% over two years. The third phase of Operation Kurangi, rolled out in May 2026, focuses on immediate identification, arrest, and deportation of undocumented expats and those with outstanding visa fees.

This story involves 1 source and may affect public understanding of expatriate detention / irregular migration.