Maldivians residing in and traveling to the United Kingdom have been urged to practice caution, due to the violent anti-immigration riots in the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs late Wednesday sent a message to local media outlets, revealing that the High Commission of Maldives in UK is closely monitoring the situation unfolding in the country, where several Maldivian families reside.
Since 29 July 2024, citizens have been carrying out riots in several cities of UK, in the wake of the tragic stabbing of three children at a dance and yoga class in Southport.
Citing the escalating situation and reports that more than 100 protests have been planned, the foreign ministry has urged all Maldivians residing in the UK and those traveling to the country to pay special attention to their safety and security.
The ministry went on to urge Maldivians to stay away from the locations where the protests are scheduled to take place, and to carefully adhere to instructions given by the UK authorities as well as the high commission.
Maldivians have been urged to contact the high commission if they require any help in the wake of the ongoing violence in UK.
Further, the ministry has also shed light on the importance of registering at the high commission through[email protected].
For further assistance, the public has been urged to reach out to the high commission through (+44) 02072242135 or via email at[email protected],[email protected]and the ministry’s hotline 7983400.
Thousands of anti-racist counter-protesters swarmed the streets of England, expressing solidarity with immigrants and ethnic minorities who were targeted in the past few days of violent anti-immigrant riots by far-rights groups.
International media reports that UK authorities had warned protesters that they would face severe consequences and penalties if they continue rioting, some of which could be classified as “terrorism” according to UK’s head of counter-terrorism policing, Assistant Commissioner Matt Jukes, Al Jazeera cited.
Due to the heated riots, Muslim communities, which have been targeted, have been advised to stay safe.
