Evacuation of Indian Citizen from Maldives

Monday 4th of May 2020

Evacuation of Indian Citizen from Maldives

High Commission of India has announced the evacuation of Indian Citizen from Maldives. Within a week’s time, an evacuation ship will be sent to Male’ City and the first 200 nationals will be brought to Kochi. The exact date of the evacuation is yet to be announced.

When choosing the initial 200 nationals, priority will be given to those who have compelling situation for return. ‘Preference would be accorded to already registered cases with the High commission on compelling grounds such as medical/ pregnancy/ elderly/ death in family/ stranded tourists/ workers who lost jobs and destitute cases.’ However, those nationals residing in an island other than Male’ would have to arrange their own travel to Male’.

The High Commission will be directly contacting such compelling cases and send them individual emails asking for their willingness and for submissions of their signed undertaking. The estimated time for travel between Male’ and Kochi by sea transport is minimum 48 hours and the facilities provided onboard would be basic and limited. The High Commission warns of rough sailing due to weather.

After arrival in India, traveler would be required to undergo 14 days mandatory quarantine, of which the cost will be borne by the traveler. As of now, no cost has been indicated for travel from Male’ to Kochi under this evacuation plan. Further, travel from Kochi after quarantine period would depend on the policy /directives of the Government of India and State Government of Kerala.