Jailed opposition leader Qasim Ibrahim will be granted permission to travel abroad 'as soon all the procedures are completed,' says the Maldives Correctional Service (MCS).

Speaking to RaajjeMV on Saturday, MCS' media official said that they are currently doing the necessary work to send Qasim abroad for medical attention, and that he will be granted medical leave 'once the procedures are completed'.

However, he said that he is not able to confirm a date on when it will be completed.

The Jumhooree Party leader was sentenced in absentia to three years, two months and 12 days in prison late Thursday night, after being found guilty of bribery. He was admitted to Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) at the time, where he was being treated for a pre-existing heart condition, which had worsened throughout the year.

Doctors have advised for him to be sent abroad as he requires several cardiac tests that are not available in the Maldives, with cardiologist Dr. Ali Shafeeq emphasizing 'any delay may result in life threatening arrhythmia'.

While Criminal Court had, on Thursday, sentenced him to three years, two months and twelve days imprisonment, the verdict also noted that there is no obstruction in granting him medical leave, ordering the relevant authorities to allow him to travel for the required medical attention.