President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has cautioned that the issue of illegal expatriates in the Maldives, if left unaddressed, could evolve into a significant threat to the nation’s independence. The President delivered these remarks during his address at the Republic Day ceremony held at Dharubaaruge last night.
Highlighting a persistent issue that has spanned several administrations, President Muizzu acknowledged the complex challenges associated with expatriates residing illegally in the Maldives. Since assuming office, his administration has intensified efforts to combat this issue, focusing on shutting down unauthorized business operations run by expatriates and deporting those without proper documentation. He reported that over 4,700 individuals have been deported this year—a record number for any single year. Despite these measures, the President underscored the need for a lasting solution, warning that unchecked illegal residency could threaten internal stability and, ultimately, national independence.
The President also addressed broader concerns impacting social harmony and public safety. He cited drug abuse as the foremost threat to social cohesion and highlighted progress in combating narcotics. According to President Muizzu, drug seizures have increased by 60 percent compared to last year, a promising sign in the country’s efforts to curb the influence of illegal substances. He pledged to further strengthen the government’s capacity to address these challenges in the coming year.
In addition to social issues, the President celebrated improvements in road safety, noting a 33 percent reduction in life-threatening accidents compared to the previous year. These advancements reflect the administration’s commitment to enhancing public safety across the nation.
Turning to security measures, President Muizzu reported that his administration had made significant strides in maintaining law and order throughout the Maldives. He highlighted the full implementation of the Immigration Act as a key achievement, which aims to streamline the regulation of expatriates and reinforce border control. Looking forward, he assured that by the end of 2025, services related to ID cards and passports would be accessible across all Maldivian atolls, a move aimed at ensuring equal access to essential government services nationwide.
Through his Republic Day speech, President Muizzu underscored his administration’s commitment to addressing both immediate and long-term challenges facing the Maldives, from illegal immigration to public safety, in pursuit of a secure and stable future for the nation.
