Indian naval vessel to depart with 750 passengers

An Indian naval vessel will depart from the Maldives today carrying around 750 Indian nationals left stranded in the country due to the COVID-19 restrictive measures, Indian High Commission in the Maldives has stated.

The naval vessel named as INS Jalashwa was originally to transport 700 Indian nationals. However, the vessel will now depart with around 750 passengers, says the High Commission.

Immigration procedures of the passengers being carried out in the Hulhumale’ Ferry Terminal in Male’ City currently. The arrangements for this including transport by buses were conducted by the High Commission. The vessel is expected to depart in the evening. 

Some senior officials of Indian media have stated that the vessel will transport 19 pregnant women and 14 children. The officials stated that 732 people have so far registered to travel on the vessel. All those on board will have to complete a quarantine period of 14 days upon their arrival in India.

The Indian government is conducting efforts to repatriate its citizens abroad due to the situation with COVID-19.