Palestine nationals who arrived in Maldives depart to Sweden

The four Palestine nationals who arrived in the Maldives on Syrian travel documents have departed for Sweden on 26 August.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR) facilitated the Palestinian family’s application for refugee status, and that Sweden has accepted the family as refugees.

“Prior to travelling to the Maldives, the Palestinian family was living in Syria as refugees. They were compelled to leave Syria due to the on-going conflict. Upon receiving a request from UNHCR, the Government of Maldives decided not to send the family back, and accord whatever assistance it could to the family. As such, the Government took care of the welfare of the family, including providing them accommodation at Hulhulé Island,” reads the statement by the Foreign Ministry.