Strict action will be taken against vessel captains found transporting illegal immigrants to the atolls, the Maldives Immigration has said. This warning follows an operation in Kulhudhuffushi City, conducted after receiving reports of illegal immigrants attempting to leave the capital due to intensified immigration raids.
In the joint operation conducted by Kulhudhuffushi City Council, Police, and Immigration on Sunday, nine illegal foreigners aboard a vessel bound for Kulhudhuffushi were found and issued notices to appear before Immigration. The captain of the vessel was also issued a written warning, with Immigration stating that similar actions would be enforced against other captains who transport illegal immigrants in the future.
"Failure to comply with this directive will result in action under the Immigration Act," the Immigration stated.
Immigration emphasized that transporting foreigners without valid documentation is prohibited, and captains will be held accountable for such violations.
