President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has revealed one main aim of his state visit to India is to ensure Maldivians, especially patients who are in need of long term treatment, are provided with easier means to obtain dependent visa and medical visa.
Addressing the function held to meet with the Maldivian community residing in India, President Solih assured Maldivians travelling to India for long term medical treatment will be able to obtain visa for 6-12 months. The president said upon conclusion of his state visit to India, major eases would be provided for Maldivians in obtaining visa.
Furthermore, President Solih revealed Maldivian businessmen travelling to India will be able to obtain 90-day visa every 6 months. The president also disclosed Maldivian students studying in India will be able to obtain multiple entry visa and individuals under the age of 18 will be provided visa with the inclusion of their parents
Addressing the gathering, the president noted one of his first 100=day goals is providing low-interest rates for student loans and assured efforts are underway to achieve the goal. He said the government will ensure easier methods are available for students to pay back the loans.
With several students in attendance, the president urged them to follow Islamic values and principles, to stay true to the Islamic faith and to be united and assist each other.
In his maiden state visit, President Solih is in India on a three-day visit on initiation from Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. First Lady Fazna Ahmed and a high level delegation of the government are accompanying the president on his visit.