Maldives Immigration has revealed over 500 expatriates were repatriated from the Maldives on June 23.
The government has been conducting special efforts to repatriate tourists and expatriate workers stranded in the Maldives amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In this regard, a special focus is given to repatriate undocumented workers living in the Maldives.
As per the statistics publicised by Maldives Immigration, 513 expatriates were repatriated on June 23 including 170 Indian nationals, 143 Nepali nationals and 200 Bangladeshi nationals. Meanwhile, Immigration has also commenced issuing passports submitted for visa approval prior to the lockdown and restrictions imposed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Addressing the nation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic on April 15, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said a large number of expatriate workers in the Maldives are vulnerable and prone to the infection given that the majority of them are living in overcrowded accommodations. He said prompt measures are underway to alleviate the conditions of the expatriate workers in the Maldives.
One of the major decisions of the government to contain the spread of COVID-19 is relocating expatriate workers living in overcrowded accommodations.