Foreign Minister: Difficulties in getting medical visas to India will be resolved soon

Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid states he is confident the current difficulties faced by Maldivians in obtaining medical visas to neighboring India will be resolved soon. 

His statement comes amid widespread complaints as scores wait in queues outside the Indian High Commission in Male’ to submit medical visa applications. 

In a tweet on Saturday evening, Shahid said that the government is aware of the difficulties in obtaining medical visas to India, despite special arrangements for Maldivian nationals to facilitate an easier via process, especially during border closure. 

He said that he is engaged in discussions with the Indian government regarding the issue. 

"Confident we can find a solution shortly,” he said. 

Scores of Maldivians travel to neighboring India to access medical services. The Indian High Commission, faced with a high volume of visa applications, had made arrangements to allow travelers to submit their applications and book appointments online back in August. 

Though India closed its borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Maldives and India made special arrangements in June last year to allow Maldivian nationals to travel to the country for medical services.