The government of the Maldives has decided to establish housing facilities in Gulhifalhu to accommodate over 3,000 expatriate workers living in congested living conditions in the Greater Male' Region.
Spokesperson of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), Mohamed Mabrook Azeez said the government is working to prevent a spread amongst the expatriate workers as well, and the congested living conditions in housing facilities of expatriate workers pose a serious threat of a larger spread. Stating that such facilities do not have the proper mechanisms to maintain social distancing, he stated the decision of the administration to relocate them to more spacious facilities.
Furthermore, Mabrook said over 300 expatriates have been moved to housing facilities in Hulhumale' Phase 2 after assembling some prefabricated houses. Additionally, he said over 3,000 expatriates will be shifted to Gulhifalhu, after renovating the suspended development of housing units on the island.
Maldives Immigration has recently announced it has begun work to shift expatriate workers living in poor and congested living conditions after identifying 14 such facilities. Additionally, Immigration has also begun registering undocumented workers living in Male' City after relocating them to Hulhumale'. Immigration stated the efforts to relocate the expatriate workers are currently carried in collaboration with Maldives Police Service and Male' City Council.
Ministry of Economic Development has also revealed plans to shift over 5,000 expatriate workers living in congested housing facilities in Male' City.