Ministry of Tourism has lifted the suspension of a guesthouse after learning it had been designated as a quarantine facility for work permit holders from South Asia.

The ministry, which has been conducting an inspection of guesthouses’ compliance to the guidelines on accommodating tourists from South Asia, had previously announced the suspension of four facilities; three on July 17 and one on July 19 while three others were cautioned on July 17.

Noting that the measures taken against a guesthouse on July 19 has been lifted, Deputy Minister Assad Riza told RaajjeMV that this was after learning that the Health Protection Agency (HPA) had given the guesthouse approval to accommodate work permit holders from South Asia.

While the ministry suspended its license for violating its guidelines and accommodating tourists from the region, Riza said that the issue will now be handled by HPA.

The tourism ministry official stressed that guesthouses designated as quarantine facilities do not have permission to accommodate tourists from South Asia as per the current guidelines.

He added that another's license has been suspended for violating the safety protocols.

Following the worsening coronavirus situation in the region, Maldives halted visas for travelers from South Asia back in May. While tourists from the region can now travel to Maldives if they are staying at resorts, they can transit in guesthouses in the capital, under guidelines set by the tourism ministry.

Plans are to reopen guesthouses to tourists from South Asia from July 30.