Maldivians abroad advised against returning unless essential

Maldivians residing abroad have been urged to give the chance to return back home to those who need it the most, if their return is not absolutely necessary, given the current circumstances.

This was revealed by Mabrook Aziz during a press briefing on Monday night to provide the latest information regarding the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) situation in the Maldives.

As such, the Covid-19 spokesperson revealed that Maldivians living abroad have been urged to remain home if their return back to the country is not essential, as visiting an airport is the riskiest thing to do under the given circumstances.

Best thing to do is remain home, if they can, said Mabrook, who added that other countries arranging for repatriation flights is less in comparison to Maldives.

These individuals will however, be provided the assistance and support as well as the cooperation they require by the Maldivian government, although the government cannot facilitate arrival for everyone at the moment.

Mabrook added that these are difficult circumstances under which the government cannot facilitate to evacuate every single person abroad, however, the administration will facilitate return for more Maldivians according to the capacity at quarantine and isolation facilities.

While over 1,500 Maldivians have returned to the country thus far, 1,000 more individuals are expected to arrive in the next few days, said the spokesperson.

As such, about 152 Maldivians stranded in Bangalore and Cochin are set to arrive on Tuesday and the government is at the final stages of evacuating the Maldivians stranded in Bangladesh.

In addition, Mabrook revealed that 1,218 individuals have registered at the job center established by the Ministry of Economic Development thus far out of which 382 were put on no-pay leave, 116 had their salaries halved, 277 were dismissed, 169 had their salaries reduced, 83 were suspend and 55 were reported to receive just their basic salaries.

Three employers are reported to have had measures taken against them and 134 independent employees had also filed their details at the job center.