Ministry of Home Affairs has revealed the rehabilitation to be developed for Maldivians who have fought in wars abroad will be completed in roughly 20 days.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Ali Nazeer said the centre which is currently being developed in Himmafushi, Kaafu Atoll, will house Maldivian returnees who have participated in wars aboard and returning stranded Maldivian refugees before they are released to the society as pledged by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The development of the centre is closely monitored by the government.
The rehabilitation centre that costs USD 3.84 million is being constructed by Police Welfare Corporation (POLCO). The centre is expected to be a very high security centre.
The decision to develop a rehabilitation centre is part of the efforts of the administration against radicalisation and terrorism. The measures from the government also recently saw amendments to the Anti-terrorism Act. While the act has a list of declared terrorist groups, it requires the government to develop a rehabilitation centre to restore, naturalise and socialise returnees from foreign wars.
Speaking to the press, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said not all that have travelled to countries at war have had their consent. He said some women were forced to travel with their children and they need to return to Maldives.
Many reports claim that several Maldivians have travelled to participate in foreign wars while many have died in the fighting. Media reports the recent arrest of 243 ISIS fighters in Afghanistan also include Maldivians.