Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has revealed efforts are underway to evacuate Maldivians in Philippines and Bangladesh.
There are currently 61 Maldivians in Philippines and 41 Maldivians in Bangladesh. Due to the increasing amount of COVID-19 cases in the countries, governments of countries are taking measures to contain the virus which include closing off borders and airspaces. Following the situation, many Maldivians in foreign countries are seeking to return back to the country.
Speaking on the matter, the foreign minister said the government is doing its best to bring back the locals in Philippines and Bangladesh. The minister stated the government is also assisting 21 Maldivians in Nepal with the basic daily needs as they are stranded in Nepal due to closing of borders. He expressed closed borders, airports and cancelled flights are a challenge in bringing them back to the country.
However, the minister assured the government will do everything in its power for them to return safely to Maldives. He reiterated every Maldivian abroad will be reached out and assisted.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has suspended issuing permits for chartered flights arranged to bring back Maldivians stranded abroad. The ministry said most countries have closed borders and suspended air travel as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of COVID-19. The ministry further said issuing permits to individual parties have also been ceased as the government will arrange chartered flights if and when necessary for returning Maldivians.
As part of various measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Maldives, the government has also decided to suspend on-arrival visa starting from today.