Ministry of Economic Development has begun efforts to shift over 5,000 expatriates living in congested spaces in Male’ to other locations, as a precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19 in Maldives.
Speaking to PSM News, Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail said the ministry is currently identifying the congested spaces in Male’ where expatriates live in. He said the ministry will be shifting over 5,000 expatriates to Hulhumale’ and Gulhifalhu as part of the programme.
The minister said some buildings in Hulhumale’ and Gulhifalhu are being renovated to accommodate the expatriates who are being shifted from Male’. However, he said this is only a temporary solution, noting an expatriate village will be developed in Gulhifalhu following the development of the international transhipment port in the island.
Meanwhile, Spokesperson of National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) Mohamed Mabrook Azeez said efforts are underway to send back illegal expatriates from Bangladesh. He revealed over 800 illegal workers have asked to return back to their countries during the registration opportunity opened by the government.
In addition, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid held discussions with Foreign Minister of Bangladesh AK Abdul Momen to send back undocumented Bangladeshi workers from Maldives due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. During a phone conversation, both ministers discussed the current situation and the health and economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister Abdulla Shahid shed light on the regularisation programme held in Maldives before the pandemic. Noting many expatriates were regularised in the programme, Shahid mentioned the risk for expatriates if COVID-19 begins spreading in Maldives. Minister Momen expressed cooperation for the efforts of the government of Maldives to send illegal expatriates back to their countries.