Following the dangerous outbreak of Coronavirus in China, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has rendered the transfer of Maldivians back to their home-country free of charge.
According to a recent tweet posted by Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, the government have decided to provide free return tickets to all Maldivian flights to five destinations in China; ChongQuing, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Xian.
"All Maldivians who wish to return are requested to contact the Maldivian Embassy in China", said Shahid.
While most are being transferred home free of charge, the government is unable to access seven Maldivian residents of the quarantined Wuhan city, the city in which the virus was initially discovered.
Alternatively, the government decided to extend further financial support to these individuals. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet specified the amount provided.
The Ministry revealed that they are currently in discussion with China to evacuate them as well.
Screening tourist arrivals at Velana International Airport (VIA) and Addu City Airport has also ensued, as a means to prevent the deadly disease from spreading in Maldives. Furthermore, a treatment plan for affected individuals has been established.
