The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has collected biometric data from 1,455 migrant workers as part of a programme conducted in Malé under the ongoing Operation Kurangi.

The programme, held from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, involved 75 ministry officials and focused on workers in the education sector and those at the Gulhifalhu site where the Thila-Malé Bridge project is underway. Biometric data was collected from 697 workers employed at educational institutions in the Malé area and 758 employees of AFCONS Infrastructure Limited, the company constructing the Thila-Malé Bridge. The Ministry confirmed that no undocumented workers were identified during this effort.

Additionally, the programme included a human trafficking screening component, which the Ministry plans to integrate into all future activities under Operation Kurangi.

Homeland Security and Technology Minister Ali Ihusaan noted in a social media post that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had announced in November that biometric data of 10,000 migrant workers had been collected under the operation. Over the past two months, the Ministry has recorded data on an additional 15,000 workers, raising the total to 25,483.

The Minister expressed optimism that the three-year plan outlined by President Muizzu to address the issue of undocumented migrants will yield effective results. The government aims to resolve the matter entirely by April 2027.

Launched on May 2, 2024, Operation Kurangi seeks to provide a permanent solution to the undocumented migrant issue in the Maldives. The operation involves recording the fingerprints of migrant workers and ensuring their employment complies with relevant laws and regulations. Data collected from island and atoll councils will be compiled into a unified registry to improve oversight and management.