Using influence to secure repatriation tickets amidst a pandemic is gross, disgusting behaviour, says spokesperson for the government's Covid-19 taskforce, Mohamed Mabrook Aziz.

Mabrook's statement comes at a time when allegations have surfaced claiming that Minister of Home Affairs Sheikh Imran Abdulla had secured repatriation flight tickets for family members by asserting influence.

In response to a reporter at the daily press briefing held at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) on Sunday, Mabrook stated that the procedure to secure repatriation tickets have been publicised. Highlighting that the airline - Maldivian - has also publicised said procedure, Mabrook declared that using influence to secure tickets amidst a pandemic is gross, disgusting behaviour.

If anyone has knowledge of such incidents, they are urged by the government to report these attempts promptly, said Mabrook, adding that the government will investigate such cases.

He stated that the government will welcome verified reports submitted to the relevant authorities and that securing opportunities via undue influence is not acceptable.