President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that measures are being taken and fines are being imposed on those who are negligent towards expatriate workers.

At a press conference held today at the President's Office, the President noted that no previous administration has worked as extensively as the current government to resolve the issues surrounding expatriate workers.

The President said that previously, very little information was available regarding expatriates working in the Maldives, with data available for only 13 percent of the expatriate population. However, he noted that this government has increased that figure to 98 percent within two and a half years.

"Since which era did foreigners start coming to the Maldives? Only 13 percent of their data was here. What did previous governments do? Now, that number has been brought up to 98 percent. This includes their ten-fingerprints and information to identify who they are," the President said.

The President also stated that "Operation Kurangi" is not an operation conducted to punish expatriate workers, but rather an operation carried out to protect their rights.

He further noted that with the recent changes brought to the law, opportunities have opened up to take action against those who are negligent towards expatriate workers.

"Even now, we are taking action against such negligent parties. For one thing, we are fining such individuals. The issue has also been resolved to a great extent because of it," the President said.

The President added that work is currently underway to bring a permanent solution to the issue of undocumented expatriates working illegally.