President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced Maldives will stop issuing on-arrival visa from March 27 until further notice.
Briefing the local media on the developing situation of COVID-19 pandemic in Maldives, President Solih expressed stringent and efficient measures are being taken to ensure the safety and protection of citizens. Upholding the utmost priority will be given to protecting the citizens, the president said all on-arrival visa from Maldives will be cancelled from next Saturday.
The president underlined no foreigners can enter Maldivians, adding the government is aware of the economic impact the decision will have on the country. He further revealed staff will be allowed to travel 14-days after the departure of the last tourist from the resort.
Moreover, President Solih noted at this delicate time, efforts are underway to determine actions to take which will minimise the impact on tourism, adding the financial package provided by the government will aid in giving salary to staff instead of releasing them from their positions. He reiterated utmost importance is given to control the spread of COVID-19 in the country.