The Ambassador of Maldives to Saudi Arabia Abdulla Hameed has stated that news and information spread regarding the current political situation of Maldives are not factually correct.
In an interview with Arab News, the Maldivian Ambassador with regret noted that almost all reports about the situation are not factually correct and exclaimed that few seem to be checking the reality of the situation in Maldives. There is no reason to worry as Maldives is experiencing a situation which is normal, where all citizens and visitors are going about their normal daily routine, reassured the Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
Ambassador Abdulla Hameed told the Saudi Arabian newspaper that Maldivian Government has not imposed a curfew in place and noted that judicial proceedings are continuing without any disruption. Highlighting that many countries across the world have increased internal security in recent years in response to domestic concerns, the Ambassador said the decision of Maldivian Government should not be taken negatively. Freedom of movement and speech remained and there was no risk to tourists arriving in Maldives, expressed Ambassador Hameed.
Noting the State of Emergency has no effect on tourist resorts, Ambassador Hameed cited that it is an internal governance matter and has no implications for foreign visitors. The Ambassador said the State of Emergency was declared by the Maldivian Government after consulting the National Security Council over measures to guarantee the safety and security of citizens and foreign visitors.
In 2017, 21,944 Saudi Arabians visited Maldives, which is a 39.5% increase compared to the previous year. Saudi Airlines flies to the Maldives twice a week from both Riyadh and Jeddah.