Maldivian woman and her child stranded in a Turkish prison after traveling abroad to join a foreign conflict, repatriated to Maldives

Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan has announced that following reports of three Maldivians being stranded in Turkey, efforts have successfully facilitated the repatriation of a mother and her child.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the Minister stated that efforts are underway to address the issue of individuals stranded in various conflict zones. As part of these initiatives, 23 individuals have previously been reintegrated separately.

The Minister further stated that efforts have been made to repatriate an additional 60 individuals currently stranded in Syria.

The Minister stated that information regarding Maldivians in various conflict zones is being received, and that efforts to gather further details are ongoing in collaboration with families, intelligence services, and various international agencies.

Furthermore, the Minister stated that efforts have been made to repatriate three Maldivians reported to be stranded in Turkey. He noted that information received through the Turkish Embassy indicates these individuals are currently being held in custody by Turkish authorities.

The Minister stated that through the collaborative efforts of relevant institutions, a 14-year-old girl and her mother have been repatriated to the Maldives. The Minister further noted that the necessary reintegration programs for them are currently underway.

Furthermore, the Minister stated that efforts are underway, in collaboration with a foreign government, to repatriate and rehabilitate Maldivians currently in Syria who had traveled there to join the conflict.