Maldives Achieves 98 Percent Biometric Registration for Foreign Workers Under Operation Kurangi

The Maldivian government has achieved a significant milestone in regulating the nation's labor force, with 98 percent of foreign workers holding valid work permits now biometrically registered. This surge in registration is part of "Operation Kurangi," a strategic initiative aimed at eradicating the long-standing issue of undocumented migrants in the country. According to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the biometric process involves the collection of ten fingerprints and high-resolution photographs to ensure accurate identification. The scale of the progress is stark: on November 17, 2023, only 17 percent of the eligible workforce had been registered. The current figures represent a comprehensive shift in the state's ability to monitor and manage its migrant population. Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology, Ali Ihusaan, credited the President for prioritizing this mission from the onset of the current administration. In a social media response to the President's update, Minister Ihusaan stated that the government has made substantial progress in resolving an issue that previous administrations had failed to address. Minister Ihusaan emphasized that the Ministry of Homeland Security and other relevant state institutions have worked tirelessly over the past two years to advance this national objective. He expressed gratitude to all personnel involved in the operation, noting that their unwavering commitment was essential to achieving these results. With the registration phase largely complete, the government is now shifting its focus toward enforcement. President Muizzu announced that the next six months will be dedicated to locating and deporting the remaining undocumented or illegal migrants currently residing in the Maldives. This phase marks the final transition from data collection to the active removal of individuals bypassing legal labor frameworks.