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**A special task force operation conducted in AA. Thoddoo to identify foreigners violating immigration regulations -- Photo: Maldives Immigration**

Thoddoo: Maldives Immigration has detained 107 foreigners during a special operation in AA. Thoddoo targeting expatriates suspected of immigration violations, following complaints from residents about undocumented foreigners on the island.

The operation was conducted from 6:00am to 4:00pm, with Immigration officials checking 507 foreign nationals, according to the authority.

Immigration said 107 of those inspected were taken into its custody for further action over suspected violations.

Thoddoo is one of the Maldives’ major agricultural islands, with many local families relying on farming for their livelihoods. Residents have previously raised concerns about foreigners allegedly working on farms without proper authorization.

ގަވާއިދާ ޚިލާފަށް އުޅޭ ބިދޭސީންގެ މައްސަލަ ބޮޑުކަމަށް، އާންމުންގެ ގިނަ ޝަކުވާތަކެއް ލިބެމުންދާ އއ. ތޮއްޑޫއަށް އަމާޒުކޮށްގެން ޓާސްކްފޯސްއިން މިއަދު ވަނީ ހާއްސަ އޮޕަރޭޝަނެއް ހިންގާފައި.

ހެނދުނު 6:00 އިން ހަވީރު 4:00 އަށް ހިންގި މި އޮޕަރޭޝަނުގައި ޖުމްލަ 507 ބިދޭސީއަކު ބަލައި… pic.twitter.com/TOdslCGhNY

— Maldives Immigration (@ImmigrationMV) September 19, 2026

Authorities step up enforcement

The latest operation forms part of wider government efforts to identify and take action against foreigners living or working in the Maldives in violation of immigration regulations. Maldives Immigration and Police have been conducting joint enforcement operations across the country.

Authorities have also introduced measures to strengthen monitoring of foreign nationals, including biometric registration and expanded enforcement operations. Immigration has said foreigners found living in violation of regulations will be deported without being given an additional opportunity to regularize their status.

The government has separately tightened business and special visa rules, preventing foreign nationals who enter on those visas from applying for work permits while remaining in the Maldives.