Synopsis
The Maldives will initiate the repatriation of undocumented expatriates identified through biometrics under the Kuran'gi Operation. Launched in May 2024, this effort aims to solve the issue of illegal migration by collecting biometric data from migrant workers across the region.Key Takeaways
- The Maldives is repatriating undocumented expatriates.
- Initiated the Kuran'gi Operation in May 2024.
- Biometric data collection includes fingerprinting.
- Operation aims to identify illegal migrants.
- Completion expected by 2027 with major milestones in 2025.
Colombo, Jan 19 (NationPress) The Maldives is set to start the repatriation of undocumented expatriates identified through a biometrics data collection initiative under the current Kuran'gi Operation, as reported by PSM News, the official media channel, citing the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology.
PSM has indicated that this operation was initiated in May 2024, aiming to provide a lasting solution to the problem of undocumented migrants in the Maldives, according to the Xinhua news agency.
As part of this operation, the fingerprints of migrant workers are being recorded, and checks are carried out to confirm that their employment in the Maldives adheres to the relevant laws and regulations, PSM stated.
Once the biometrics data collection is finished, undocumented expatriates will be repatriated from the nation, as mentioned by Minister of State for Homeland Security and Technology, Ahmed Siddeeq, in his comments to PSM News. He mentioned that the biometrics data collection will also aid in identifying expatriates who enter the country using forged passports or travel documents.
According to him, the operation is projected to conclude by 2027, with the entire biometrics data collection of expatriate workers anticipated to be completed by April 2025.
Operation Kurangi—an initiative that began last year to gather the biometric data of migrant workers in the Maldives—has now been extended to the greater Male’ region.
This operation was initiated from K. Himmafushi on May 2, 2024, as part of the Homeland Security Ministry's efforts to combat illegal migration.
The operation was expanded to the greater Male’ area on Saturday.
The Homeland Security Ministry has reported that 75 officials from the ministry have been assigned to collect biometric data from migrant workers in the Male’ area.
The event, taking place from 08:00 am to 06:00 pm, will see officials gathering biometric data from migrant workers in the education sector as well as those employed in several large companies.
Officials will operate in Male’, Thilafushi, and Gulhifalhu.
As per the Homeland Security Ministry, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons (Anti-TIP) Office will also be evaluating migrant workers during this event.
Operation Kurangi has successfully collected the biometric data of over 18,000 migrant workers, and the Homeland Security Ministry previously announced that it hopes to wrap up this task by April this year.
