The Maldivian Red Crescent (MRC) is to halt the provision of food packs for migrant workers from June 15 onwards.
In a phone interview during RaajjeTV’s Covid-19 Coverage, the organization’s Secretary General, Fathimath Himya revealed that Sunday will be the last day they provide food for the migrants in need, under the programme launched following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Further, Himya revealed that the work will be carried out later, after compiling a criteria, completing the registration process and completing an assessment of those in dire need.
Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic surfaced in the Maldives, a number of migrant workers have been affected by the negative impacts and MRC initiated a programme to provide aid for migrant workers in need.
Earlier in May, the organization’s Programmes and Services Manager Maeed Mohamed Zahir revealed during a press conference at the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) that the organization has been providing support for migrant workers living in a total of 23 locations in the capital city.
As such, they had arranged for the provision of food for 1,332 migrant workers in these spaces.
Himya revealed that they have completed the assessment for 28 such locations and conducted medical screenings there.
Most of these living spaces were in very poor and unhygienic condition, said Himya, who highlighted that they are working with the relevant authorities to compile a report on these issues.
She added that those who bring migrant workers to the Maldives must ensure that their living spaces are habitable and take responsibility for their wellbeing.
MRC initiated a migrant relief fund with the aim to expand the work already undertaken by the organization to support vulnerable migrant workers facing the severe economic impacts of the global pandemic and the lockdown.
The organization facilitated and provided meals and hygiene kits for migrant workers, along with supporting the facilitation of medical care in coordination with local agencies, said Maldivian Red Crescent.
