Representatives from the Economic Ministry hit the streets on Wednesday in search of foreign workers; both documented and undocumented, who wish to return to their countries.
A large number of foriegn workers have tested positive for COVID-19 in the Maldives. Majority of workers were exposed to the illness due to unhygienic and cramped living conditions. The Maldives government recently moved several workers living in unsuitable conditions to better accommodations. The government has announced that it targets to repatriate 20,000 undocumented workers before the end of the year.
According to the Economic Ministry, the task was carried out under the ministry’s efforts to effectively address the issue of undocumented foreign workers in the country. The ministry said hundreds of workers expressed their desire to return to their country within a short period of the program. The ministry said it would attempt to repatriate as many workers as possible.
