Indian naval vessel departs with 588 passengers

An Indian naval vessel has departed from the Maldives carrying 588 Indian nationals who were stranded in the Maldives due to the travel restrictions imposed in light of COVID-19.

India has been actively repatriating its citizens from abroad under a special operation named “Samudra Setu”.

Under the operation, citizens of India will be evacuated through air and sea transport. 750 Indian nationals were also repatriated last Friday.

Those that departed today, will also be subjected to a 14 day quarantine period after it arrives in the port city of Kochi.

The Maldives has a 27,000 strong population of Indian nationals. The priority for evacuation is on pregnant women, children, and people with medical issues. Other than such individuals, those who have lost their posts of employment and those wishing to return to attend the funerals of deceased family members are also prioritized. 

Maldives has confirmed 1020 cases of COVID-19 so far. Out of the figure, 99 individuals are Indian nationals.