Maldives Immigration has issued 1,069 work visas in one day.

The Immigration Department said yesterday that the number of visa applications has increased significantly due to the efforts of the Immigration and relevant agencies to solve the problem of illegal immigrants in the Maldives.

The highest number of work visas issued in the history of immigration was issued yesterday. That’s 1,069 work visas.

Since yesterday, work visa applicants will have to apply for a work visa by appointment and collect a token through the ant queue app.

Tokens will be issued from 8:30 am to 11:00 am.

Home Ministry Deputy Minister Ashraf Mohammed Ali told state media PSM that one of the most notable thing from the Operation Kurangi is that many foreigners are coming under the free visa program and working in the country. Ashraf said many foreigners are working in the Maldives on free visas without anyone to hold them accountable.

"When you ask for information, a lot of people answer that it is on free visa. Free visa or open visa. There is a very large group without a responsible person. This is not a term recognized in the laws and regulations," Ashraf said.