National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) has revealed 47 Maldivians have been brought back from Philippines as part of the efforts to evacuate Maldivians stranded abroad due to the closing of borders amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at the daily press briefing, Spokesperson of NEOC Mohamed Mabrook Azeez noted 47 Maldivians have been evacuated from Philippines while an additional 16 Maldivians are currently on their way back. Mabrook said the government has been working to assist Maldivians abroad who are going through difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, noting the government does not discriminate among certain groups of people or countries in these efforts. He said the evacuation efforts are based on the measures put in place by different countries.
Speaking further, the spokesperson requested Maldivians abroad to contact the respective embassy or consulate if in need of assistance, noting the foreign ministry is closely monitoring the situation of Maldivians abroad. Noting there are major difficulties in transport due to the closing of borders and suspension of flights, Mabrook reiterated the efforts to bring back locals from abroad are reliant on the measures put in place by the respective countries.
A total of 77 individuals were reported to have arrived in Maldives yesterday, including 76 Maldivians and one expatriate worker. As part of the efforts to control the spread of COVID-19, Maldives has suspended on-arrival visas to tourists.