Twenty-one Maldivians belonging to five families have been repatriated to the Maldives from war zones.
Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihsan told a news conference at Iskandar Koshi today that a team of 15 comprising medical professionals, security officials, psychological support personnel, and police intelligence and investigation personnel, left for Turkey on January 14 to facilitate the return of Maldivians stranded in conflict areas. While five women, one man, and fifteen children were among those brought back to the Maldives, they were brought back to the Maldives after confirming their identity through DNA tests, the minister confirmed. Citing medical professionals, the minister said the repatriated individuals are in general good health.
According to the minister, those repatriated will be reintegrated into society after undergoing rehabilitation at the National Reintegration Center located at K. Himmafushi. The minister highlighted that a thorough assessment of their condition would be conducted, and a tailored rehabilitation program, which will be approved by the Rehabilitation and Reintegration Committee, would be conducted before their eventual release.
“Through these assessments, we will identify their current state,” Ihsan said.
The minister assured that the reptrated individuals will be released to society after ensuring that they do not pose any threat to society.
"We assure that there will be no danger to society or any individual due to their return," Minister Ihsan said.
