The Maldives Immigration detained 27 undocumented migrants during a special late-night operation targeting food courts at the Malé West Harbour.

Immigration said the operation inspected a total of 88 foreign nationals, with 27 taken into immigration custody for violating immigration regulations.

The government has stepped up efforts to address the issue of undocumented migrants in the Maldives through a series of special operations.

As part of these operations, authorities have been conducting inspections at restaurants, cafés and other business premises to identify foreigners living or working illegally. Those found in violation are taken into immigration custody before being repatriated to their home countries.