System to monitor expatriates in islands unveiled

Maldives Immigration has unveiled a biometric system to monitor migrants living in islands of the country. The system, the first of its kind will allow officials and authorities to monitor migrants and identify those living in the country undocumented.

The system named as “Atoll Module” was unveiled by Hoarafushi MP Ahmed Saleem at a ceremony in the Immigration office.

Immigration Controller General Mohamed Ahmed Hussain speaking at the ceremony described the system as the most comprehensive one developed in the country and will be introduced phase by phase to be used in every island of the country. Facial recognition with the aid of biometrics will be used starting from June 2020, according to controller general Hussain.

“The service will be implemented in all the islands of the country within the next two years, or even sooner.” said the controller general.

A registry of migrants in islands will be formed from the information collected by the system, which will allow Immigration to monitor them even if they move within the country. The system will also allow access to the location of a migrant worker in case of a need.