Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has stated he is confident the issue of Maldivians not receiving visas to India will be solved shortly.
In a tweet, Minister Shahid said he is aware of the issues Maldivians are facing in acquiring medical visas to India. The issues come at a time when both countries have made special arrangements for Maldivian nationals to facilitate an easier process for acquiring visas, especially given the border closure, he noted.
He said he is in discussions with the Government of India and he is confident of finding a solution as soon as possible.
The High Commission of India in the Maldives earlier addressed the difficulties and began allowing Maldivians to go through the visa application process online. The decision was made to resolve the difficulties faced by individuals who are forced to wait in long queues outside the high commission. As such, the high commission allowed travellers to fill the visa application form and booking appointments through the Indian visa website and the consular appointment website respectively.
The Indian government has facilitated arrangements for Maldivians travelling to India for various purposes despite the closure of its borders since a large number of Maldivians travel to India for medical treatment.