COLOMBO, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Maldives will begin to repatriate undocumented expatriates identified through biometrics data collection under the ongoing "Kuran'gi Operation", PSM News, the official media outlet, reported on Sunday quoting the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology.
PSM said the operation was launched in May 2024, which aims to provide a permanent solution to the issue of undocumented migrants in the Maldives.
As part of the operation, fingerprints of migrant workers are recorded and checks are conducted to ensure that they are employed in the Maldives in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations, PSM said.
After biometrics data collection is completed undocumented expatriates will be repatriated from the country, Minister of State for Homeland Security and Technology Ahmed Siddeeq told PSM News. He added that the biometrics data collection will also assist in detecting expatriates entering the country on forged passports or travel documents.
According to him, the operation is expected to be completed in 2027. However, biometrics data collection of all expatriate workers is expected to be completed in April 2025. ■