Wednesday
24th Apr 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Tourism Minister Dr.Mausoom. Photo: People's Majilis
Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has stated that accommodating tourists without their permission is considered human trafficking.
An issue surfaced on Sunday regarding tourists from Pakistan who were ousted to the streets. They were left to the streets as they protested against staying in a much shabbier location despite paying to quarantine in a five-star hotel.
While the tourists remained on the street, the matter was reported to police by locals in the area. Owners of guesthouses then offered to help the stranded tourists.
Numerous South Asians have been visiting Maldives to quarantine as borders have opened for tourism due to the reduction in COVID-19 cases. Issues of the guests being accommodated at unauthorized locations have been increasing.
Dr. Mausoom addressed the matter in a tweet that read tourism and human trafficking are completely different.
He said that hosting tourists at different locations without their permission is human trafficking, not tourism. The minister stated that authorities assuring the matter is being investigated brings little comfort.
According to police, they are investigating the issue of tourists being stranded on the street along with other relevant authorities.