234 Maldivians are to be repatriated from India on Monday.

The foreign ministry said that they will be brought back via two chartered flights of the national airline, Maldivian.

They are being repatriated from 16 Indian cities; Punjab, Calcutta, Gurugram, Rishikesh, New Delhi, Velloor, Chennai, Trivandrum and Cochin, Bangalore, Pune, Goa, Jamnagar, Ezhimala, Wellington and Pachmarhi.

While the flights will only land in two of the cities – New Delhi and Trivandrum – the foreign ministry said that Maldivian Consulate in Trivandrum is assisting in transporting Maldivians in other areas.

Those that are to be given priority include individuals that went there for medical treatment and had flights cancelled, individuals who are no longer receiving adequate treatment for long-term illnesses due to the lockdown in India as well as those residing there on short-term visa, and residing in remote areas.

The first flight, from Malé – Trivandrum – Malé, is expected to land at Velana International Airport at around 1:10pm on Monday while the second flight, from Malé – New Delhi – Trivandrum – Malé, will reach the airport at around 2pm.

And as per procedures in the country, all returnees will be quarantined for a 14-day period and tested for Covid-19 before release.

The foreign ministry also noted that additional repatriation flights will be conducted from India, with details to be provided upon confirmation.