National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) has stated it has spent over USD 285,000 to assist stranded Maldivians abroad.
Speaking at the daily press conference, Spokesperson of the NEOC Mohamed Mabrook Azeez said the finance to assist Maldivians stranded overseas have come from Zakat Fund and Aasandha Company Limited, which provides universal healthcare insurance scheme for Maldivians. In this regard, he said the Zakat fund has contributed to over USD 162,000 while Aasandha has contributed over USD 123,000 for the assistance. Additionally, diplomatic missions of the Maldives and Ministry of Foreign Affairs have also been working to provide assistance to Maldivians stranded overseas.
Maldivians have been stranded overseas due to strict movement controls and lockdowns following the COVID-19 pandemic. The administration has been providing assistance after gathering information of Maldivians stranded abroad.
The government has also made arrangements to send care packages from families, in addition to measures to repatriate Maldivians stranded in other countries.