His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has called on civil society, employers, law enforcement, and citizens to remain vigilant to ensure that the country's economic growth, digital and technological advancements, and international connectivity are never exploited by those who seek to profit from human suffering.

In his message marking the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the President affirmed that the Maldives stands firmly with the global community in reaffirming its commitment to protecting human dignity, freedom and fundamental rights. He noted that this year's theme, "Trapped Behind the Scam", draws attention to the evolving nature of human trafficking patterns and the growing misuse of technology by criminal networks — a major challenge across the region, where vulnerable individuals continue to be exploited and trapped in forced criminality within industrial-scale scam operations.

The President stated that, as a nation whose economy relies on international partnerships and a diverse workforce, the Maldives remains committed to protecting the dignity and human rights of every individual within its borders. He highlighted that his Administration has taken decisive steps to honour this obligation, including Operation Kurangi, which extensively minimised unverified work permits and substantially improved the biometric coverage of the foreign workforce.

President Dr Muizzu noted that this operational effort has been matched with institutional reform through the first National Action Plan on Human Trafficking, produced under the Human Trafficking Prevention Act, and the submission of the first statutory annual report on the nation's anti-trafficking efforts to the People's Majlis. He added that the Government has reconstituted the National Anti-Human Trafficking Coordination Committee at the policymaking level and established the Migrant Workers Resource Centre and its Migrant Connect Portal as a lifeline for workers facing abuse.

The President explained that, through these reforms, the Government aims to build a system where vulnerabilities are reduced, those at risk can seek assistance, and institutions are better equipped to identify exploitation and hold offenders accountable. He further noted that the formulation of the Maldives Anti-Human Trafficking Strategic Plan 2026–2029 provides a clear pathway forward through improved victim identification and protection, enhanced investigation and prosecution, and deepening cooperation with all stakeholders, including international partners.

Acknowledging that real challenges remain despite these advances, the President emphasised that addressing them requires a collective effort across multiple sectors and borders. Affirming that human dignity is non-negotiable, he called for a renewed commitment to building a Maldives where institutions act with one voice, development is accompanied by justice, and every person is treated with dignity and respect.