The Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed has met Maldivian students undergoing pilot training in Spain to hear their concerns.
The Minister met the students in an online meeting following complaints from students regarding visa-related issues they faced and requested the Minister to resolve the issues.
The Ministry of Higher Education said the online meeting was attended by a significant number of students currently pursuing pilot training in Spain under government’s higher education loan assistance scheme. During the meeting, the Minister listened to the students' concerns in detail, and assured them that the government would explore appropriate solutions to some of the concerns.
Maldivian students are pursuing pilot training in several countries across the world. Over the past three years, approximately 500 individuals have been given the opportunity to undertake pilot training. However, more than 200 licensed pilots are currently unemployed.
According to the Ministry, the meeting is part of a series of meetings aimed at addressing challenges faced by Maldivian students studying abroad, and providing necessary assistance and cooperation to the students. Discussion also covered financial difficulties encountered by pilot trainees due to factors beyond their control such as weather-related changes extending their course duration.