Aasandha Company Limited has decided to bear the expenses of Maldivians who are stranded in India for medical purposes until they can return to Maldives.
Following the decision of the national health insurance provider, with the support of Aasandha and National Social Protection Authority (NSPA), Maldivian consulate in India will arrange accommodation and food of all Maldivians who are in India for medical purposes until they can return home.
As India has tightened precautionary measures in the country's fight against COVID-19, all international airports have temporarily been closed. The national flag carrier, Maldivian, has also temporarily stopped operating to India. The decision to close all international airports affects many Maldivians as many travel to India for medical purposes.
Speaking at the press conference, Spokesperson of the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) Mohamed Mabrook Azeez said bearing all expenses until the airports open will be a huge challenge for people on their own and hence, the government has decided to identify the people in India for medical purposes and arrange food and accommodation for them. He further said the same arrangement will be made for Maldivians in other countries that have locked movement and borders.
All diplomatic missions of Maldives have also begun providing consular services to all Maldivians returning home amid the COVID-19 outbreak.