Maldives Immigration has taken 39 expatriates into custody from fishing boats anchored near the Male' Fish Market.

Immigration stated that these individuals were apprehended during a special raid operation targeting fishing boats controlled by expatriates who were conducting business in the Fish Market area. This operation was part of the agency's efforts to find expatriates staying illegally in the country.

According to Immigration, this operation was conducted in response to public complaints.

As part of the ongoing operations by Immigration, they are inspecting places where expatriates live, work, and conduct business, and deporting those found to be staying illegally. The agency reports that so far, more than 5,000 individuals have been deported.