The Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusan said that medical screenings are now mandatory for expatriates to renew or extend their visa.
The government said it will be revising the policy making the previously optional medical screening for inbound expatriates mandatory. A decision fueled by the recent resurgence of filariasis in the Maldives; a previously fully exterminated disease.
Minister said that a timeline for expatriates to undergo medical screening be issued sometime this week. He further confirmed the new policy will come to full effect by the beginning of 2024.
Minister Ihusan further said that the government has decided to change the 30-day optional medical checkup period to a 15-day mandatory period. Additionally, expatriates currently residing in the Maldives with their last checkup exceeding one year must undergo medical screening within the next six months.
As per the government decision, effective from January 1, 2024, expatriates arriving in the Maldives are required to submit their medical reports upon arrival. They are also required to submit new reports if they are seeking to renew the visa upon expiry.