Covid-19: visa extension without medical reports allowed in compliance with travel restrictions

Maldives Immigration’s decision to allow visa extension without a medical report is followed by the travel restrictions imposed by the government and aims to reduce the number of travels between islands and resorts.

The reveal was made at a press conference by Mabrook Aziz, spokesperson for all things Covid-19, on Monday night.

Mabrook stated that the decision to allow visa extension without a medical certificate will be in effect for a period of 30 days.

He added that new work visas may be issued for a period of three months.

However, after this time period, they are required to make medical reports and this decision will cater to the travel restrictions imposed between inhabited islands and resorts.

Further, Mabrook added that the government does not wish for resort staff to travel in order to get their work visas and permits renewed, at this critical time.

It has also been revealed that those who come to get their work visas will also be screened through the screenings systems.

The immigration’s decision was reached following the state of public health emergency declared by the government across the entire nation as a safeguard against the rapidly-spreading virus across the entire globe.

The immigration department has begun work to reduce travel and increase the implementation of precautionary measures.

As such, the department revealed that a medical report will not be required for visa extension for the duration of the public health emergency that was announced on Thursday.

However, the current protocol will be followed for new submissions for visas, said the department.

Government institutions are placing several restrictive measures and safeguards in their efforts to combat the deadly virus from spreading any further across the nation.