Immigration authorities have detained 33 foreigners for staying illegally in Thilafushi during an operation conducted on Thursday morning. The operation, involving 28 immigration officers and 35 police officers, inspected 257 foreign nationals in the area.

Of those checked, 33 individuals were found without valid visas and detained, while 22 others received written notices. Authorities revealed that some of the detained individuals were involved in significant illegal business activities.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts by immigration authorities to address illegal immigration in the Maldives, including regular raids on premises and businesses. Immigration has also launched the "Immigration Watch" platform for reporting concerns related to migrants.

So far, more than 5,000 illegal immigrants have been deported under these operations.