200 Maldivians stranded in neighboring India are to be repatriated next week. Maldives' Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that a total of 200 Maldivians will be repatriated from nine cities of India; Punjab, Calcutta, Gurugram, Rishikesh, New Delhi, Velloor, Chennai, Trivandrum and Cochin.

They are to evacuated via a charted national airline flight, which is to travel from Malé – New Delhi – Trivandrum before returning to Malé.

Since the flight is to land in just two cities, the Maldivian Consulate in Trivandrum will assist in transporting Maldivians in other areas.

Those that are to be given priority include individuals that went there for medical treatment and had flights cancelled, individuals who are no longer receiving adequate treatment for long-term illnesses due to the lockdown in India as well as those residing there on short-term visa, and residing in remote areas.

All 200 to be repatriated will have to purchase tickets from Maldivian airline.

And as per procedures in the country, all returnees will be quarantined for a 14-day period and tested for Covid-19 before release.

The foreign ministry also noted that additional repatriation flights will be conducted from India, with details to be provided upon confirmation.

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