The High Commission of India in the Maldives has opened registration for Indian nationals who wish to be evacuated from the Maldives in the next phase of evacuation conducted by the government of India.
The Indian government has been evacuating Indian nationals stranded in the Maldives via naval ships. In this regard, 750 individuals were evacuated on the naval ship INS Jalashwa on May 8, while another 202 were evacuated on the naval ship INS Magar on May 10.
The Indian high commission has opened the opportunity for Indian nationals to register for the next phase of evacuation. The high commission noted INS Jalashwa will be making another voyage from Male’ to Cochin on May 15, and requested residents of the state of Kerala and the Union Territory of Lakshadweep to register at the high commission if they wish to return home on this voyage.
Furthermore, the Indian high commission said Indian nationals who are residents of states other than Kerala can register at the high commission to be evacuated on the planned repatriation flights of Air India. The high commission revealed flights are being planned to Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai and Chennai, with dates to be confirmed. The high commission said priority will be given to evacuate migrant workers who have lost their jobs in the Maldives, short-term visa holders facing expiry of visas, individuals seeking treatment for terminal illnesses, pregnant women, elderly citizens and tourists stranded in the Maldives.
The Indian high commission says there are approximately 27,000 Indians currently in the Maldives, of which 4,500 individuals have requested to be evacuated due to the COVID-19 pandemic.