Malé, Maldives – Tourism industry workers will finally be able to visit home soon, if the current momentum of vaccine administration is maintained, stated the Minister of Tourism of Maldives Dr. Abdullah Mausoom.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony of the golden jubilee year of tourism for the Maldives, Minister Mausoom acknowledged the sacrifices made by those working in the tourism sector, and highlighted that they have not been able to visit their homes to see their families in a long time, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Our hope is to enable them [resort workers] to be able to travel after the second dose, if the current vaccine administration momentum is maintained.
Dr. Abdullah Mausoom, Minister of Tourism, Maldives
This comes at a time when the government is working on establishing a mechanism to allow travel without a mandatory quarantine period, given that the individual has completed both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic hit the Maldives, resort workers have been among the most severely impacted in the country, given that the industry initially came to a standstill, with many losing their jobs. However, once the sector made a comeback, resorts recommenced operations, leading the industry to new heights over the part several months.
During this time, resort workers have had to remain in resorts, without being able to travel out of the resort islands, due to the 10 day quarantine which has been made mandatory for all travelers except tourists.
The matter was recently brought to the attention of the Parliament, and it was noted that a motion had already been passed by the Parliament to address the issue. It was also highlighted that despite the recommendations and legislations put in place to address the matter, some resorts are still refraining from complying. During the discussion, it was stated that the onus of ensuring compliance and investigating the lack of is on the Tourism Ministry.
