Maldives Immigration has begun efforts to relocate expatriates living in congested spaces in Male' City to the newly established facilities in Hulhumale'.
Maldives Immigration stated the efforts to relocate expatriates in the capital city began in collaboration with Male' City Council, Maldives Police Service (MPS) and Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). Immigration stated officers are visiting congested spaces which accommodate expatriates, and are transferring them to the newly established facilities in Hulhumale'.
During a press briefing held at National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC), Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail revealed nearly 1,500 expatriates are expected to be shifted from Male' City this week under the relocation programme. He said a total of 5,000 expatriates will be shifted to facilities in Hulhumale' and Gulhifalhu during the next two months.
The administration is taking measures to reduce the risk of community spread of COVID-19 by reducing the number of people living in congested spaces. The economic minister had earlier stated current measures of shifting expatriates to Hulhumale' and Gulhifalhu are temporary measures, noting a permanent solution will be reached through the establishment of an expatriate village after the development of an international port in Gulhifalhu.