Thursday
19th Dec 2024
Dhivehi Edition
President Solih. Photo: President's Office.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that it is advantageous for the Maldives to be used as a quarantine destination.
While several countries have begun using the Maldives as a transit spot since the borders opened, authorities have revealed that they are receiving numerous complaints of tourists and accommodations violating policies.
A resident of Omadhoo, Thaa Atoll expressed the concern in a meeting with President Solih today. The president is currently visiting islands in the Thaa Atoll.
President Solih responded that Maldives is being used as a quarantine destination in order to easily travel to other countries without the need to quarantine. He claimed that it is beneficial to the county as guesthouse operators earn revenue from these quarantining guests.
He called for guesthouse workers and tourism industry staff to take protective measures before another surge in COVID-19 cases. He observed that guests booking specific guesthouses are being accommodated at different locations against regulations, and assured that the government will inspect and halt such incidents as it is greatly concerning.
Organizations have initiated a special inspection to monitor whether tourist accommodation regulations are being followed. The inspection is a collaborative effort conducted by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), police, Maldives Immigration, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Economic Development, and the Local Government Authority.