The government of Maldives has commenced relocation of expatriates to the accommodation facility established in Gulhifalhu, which has a capacity of 600 people.
Speaking to PSM News, Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed noted the most important measure currently undertaken to control the spread of COVID-19 in the Maldives is relocating expatriates living in congested spaces in Male’ City. He said the work to develop the accommodation facility in Gulhifalhu has been completed, adding relocation of expatriates to the facility is now underway.
Furthermore, the tourism minister said further facilities are being developed in Hulhumale’, Thilafushi, and Villivaru to accommodate expatriates. The minister said nearly 4,000 expatriates will be relocated from the capital to the newly developed facilities as part of the efforts to reduce the risk of community transmission of COVID-19 in the country. He added the documentation of expatriates are not checked before they are transferred, as the current priority is to relocate them.
The accommodation facility in Gulhifalhu was developed by Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), with assistance from Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). The facility, which was developed inside a plot area of 100,000 square feet, has been handed over to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).