President vows to push for easier visa approval process for Maldivians

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has announced his administration will discuss with governments of countries which Maldivians require visas to travel to, in order to push for an easier visa approval process for Maldivians.

During his presidential address at the first sitting of the first session of People’s Majlis for 2017, President Yameen said 2016 was a year of noteworthy achievements by Maldivians in the international platform.

President Yameen said that 2016 saw strengthening of partnerships Maldives had with foreign governments, as well as an increase in United Nations initiatives in the country.

He also counted leaving Commonwealth as an achievement.

President Yameen said that one of the most important targets for his administration in foreign affairs this year will be to negotiate with foreign governments which Maldivians require visas to travel to, for an easier visa approval process.

“God willing, this administration will increase efforts this year to negotiate with countries that require visas for more convenient arrangements for the people of Maldives,” he said.

He also said that Maldivians living and studying abroad will be provided with more diplomatic and consular services over 2017.

Maldivian government successfully negotiated with the Malaysian government for free, 90-day on-arrival visas to both Maldivians and Malaysians who travel between the two countries in 2016.

Additional achievements in foreign affairs in 2016 includes opening of a Maldivian embassy in Berlin, Germany, and establishing diplomatic ties with the Caribbean island nation, Saint Kitts and Nevis.