Connect with us

Featured

Maldives repatriates nearly 1k undocumented Bangladeshi workers amid virus hit

Published

on

Maldives has repatriated close to 1,000 undocumented Bangladeshi workers, as the coronavirus outbreak have a disproportionate effect on the island nation’s migrant worker population.

Two chartered Maldivian airlines flights carried 350 Bangladeshis to Dhaka Saturday.

Another 353 Bangladeshis left the Maldives on a chartered flight on Monday, whilst 67 flew to their home country aboard a Bangladeshi air force aircraft on May 17.

The Bangladeshi air force also carried 68 Bangladeshi nationals from Male to Dhaka on April 21.

“Thanks to hard work of Minister @faya_i & team at @MoEDmv, & Foreign Minister of #Bangladesh HE @AKAbdulMomen & the govt., with today’s repatriation, nearly 1000 Bangladeshi undocumented workers have been repatriated in the current program of President @ibusolih’s administration,” Maldivian foreign minister Abdulla Shahid said on Twitter Saturday.

Earlier this month, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said arrangements were being made to repatriate 1,500 undocumented Bangladeshi workers from the Maldives.

Bangladeshi nationals make up the majority of the migrant worker population in Maldives.

They have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus outbreak in the Maldives. Bangladeshi workers make up the majority of virus cases in country.

The confirmed local transmission clusters in the Maldives now include 676 Bangladeshis, 468 Maldivians, 126 Indians, 16 Nepalis, nine Sri Lankans and three Pakistanis.

Authorities managed to mitigate the spread of the virus and the Covid-19 respiratory disease it causes amongst the Maldives’ citizens and residents early on by closing the Indian Ocean tourist paradise’s borders, earning praise from the World Health Organisation.

But the disease later spread rapidly within the large migrant worker community in capital Male. Authorities have ramped up relocating workers from the cramped up dormitories in one of the world’s most densely populated cities to temporary accommodation units.

An estimated 63,000 foreign nationals work in the Maldives illegally out of a migrant worker population close to 145,000.

Foreign workers in the Maldives, predominantly Bangladeshi and Indian men, are subjected to practices indicative of forced labour, including fraudulent recruitment, confiscation of identity and travel documents, withholding or non-payment of wages, and debt bondage.

As most migrant workers live in extremely poor conditions, a widespread outbreak amongst them could lead to large virus clusters, overwhelming the country’s already under staffed and strained healthcare system and making it harder for authorities to contain the spread of the virus.

On March 8, Maldives reported its first cases of the novel coronavirus, as two hotel employees tested positive for Covid-19 at a luxury resort in the archipelago.

Eighteen more cases — all foreigners working or staying resorts and liveaboard vessels except five Maldivians who had returned from abroad — were later identified.

A six-case cluster of locals, detected in capital Male on April 15, confirmed community transmission of the coronavirus. Several more clusters have since been identified, bringing the total number of confirmed case in the Maldives to 1,313.

Four deaths have been reported and 127 have made full recoveries. Five remain in intensive care.

The Maldives announced a state of public health emergency on March 12, the first such declaration under a recent public health protection law.

The public health emergency declaration has allowed the government to introduce a series of unprecedented restrictive and social distancing measures, including stay-at-home orders in capital Male and its suburbs, a ban on inter-island transport and public gatherings across the country, and a nationwide closing of government offices, schools, colleges and universities.

Non-essential services and public places in the capital such as gyms, cinemas and parks have also been shut.

Restaurants and cafes in the capital have been asked to stop dine-in service and switch to takeaway and delivery.

A nationwide shutdown of all guesthouses, city hotels and spa facilities located on inhabited islands is also in effect.

The coronavirus outbreak has hit the Maldivian economy hard, as travel restrictions and other preventive measures affect the country’s lucrative tourism industry, which contributes the bulk of the island nation’s state revenue and foreign reserves.

Before the pandemic, the government had been bullish about tourism prospects, targeting two million, high-spending holidaymakers this year after last year’s record 1.7 million.

However, tourist arrivals saw a year-over-year decline of 22.8 per cent in the first 10 days of March. Officials say the number of tourist arrivals to the Maldives could drop by half in 2020.

All international airlines have suspended scheduled operations to the Maldives, as the island nation enforced a blanket suspension of on-arrival visa in late March in a bid to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Even before the visa suspension, the Maldives had closed its borders to arrivals from some of the worst-hit countries, including mainland China, Italy, Bangladesh, Iran, Spain, the United Kingdom, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. Visitors from three regions of Germany (Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg), two regions of France (Île-de-France and Grand Est) and two regions of South Korea were also banned from entering the country.

All direct flights to and from China, Italy, South Korea and Iran were also cancelled.

Cruise ships and foreign yachts were also banned from docking at any of the country’s ports.

With arrival numbers falling and the visa suspension in effect, several resorts across the Maldives had been closed.

Tourism has been the bedrock of the Maldives’ economic success. The $5 billion-dollar economy grew by 6.7 per cent in 2018 with tourism generating 60 per cent of foreign income.

However, the government is at present projecting a possible 13 per cent economic contraction this year — an estimated $778 million hit.

Celebration

Fall in love again at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives’ third annual Month of Love

Published

on

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has announced its third annual ‘Month of Love,’ a celebration dedicated to romance, connection, and cherished memories. Scheduled from February 1 to 28, 2025, the resort invites couples to escape to a tropical paradise and experience a thoughtfully curated series of intimate activities.

According to Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, the Month of Love offers couples an opportunity to create unforgettable memories amidst the stunning beauty of the Maldives. He highlighted the resort’s commitment to designing experiences that celebrate love, including romantic dinners under the stars and intimate wellness retreats, aimed at helping couples reconnect and unwind in magical moments together.

The resort offers exquisite dining experiences tailored for couples, such as:

  • A Taste of Love: A six-course culinary journey with optional wine pairings in an elegant setting.
  • Love Birds Under the Stars: A magical four-course dinner on the beach under a canopy of stars.

Couples can rejuvenate and reconnect through wellness experiences, including:

  • Couples’ Massage Workshop: Guided sessions on relaxation techniques by expert therapists from Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala.
  • Couples’ Rejuvenating Combo: A day filled with wellness-focused activities such as yoga, ice baths, and peaceful sunset sessions.

For those seeking excitement and adventure, the resort offers:

  • Romantic Sunset Parasailing: A chance to soar above turquoise waters with professional drone-captured views.
  • Love Boat Excursion: A private sandbank visit combined with a vibrant reef snorkelling experience.
  • Sunset Jet Ski Tour: An exhilarating ride across sparkling waters during sunset.

To celebrate love and milestones, the resort presents:

  • ‘Marry Me” Proposal: A curated beachfront dinner with floral decorations, a celebratory cake, and a romantic turndown service.
  • Underwater Proposal or Wedding Ceremony: A unique underwater experience featuring scuba kits, a master of ceremonies, and a ring exchange beneath the waves.
  • Elopements & Vow Renewals: Intimate beachfront ceremonies paired with a candlelit dinner, romantic bubble bath, and personalised details.

Couples can preserve their love story through a ‘Couples’ Beach Photoshoot’, featuring professionally captured moments against the stunning Maldivian backdrop.

The Island Romance Package enhances the romantic getaway with accommodations in the villa of choice, daily buffet breakfast and dinner at Kandooma Café, personalised in-villa welcome amenities, and an indulgent breakfast in bed. Couples can enjoy a beach picnic lunch, an intimate beach dinner setup, and complimentary access to non-motorised water sports. Certified divers can also take advantage of up to two complimentary scuba dives per person daily. Prices for this package start at USD 475++ per night for two adults, with flexible cancellation up to seven days before arrival.

From underwater proposals to vow renewals, sunset cruises, or candlelit beach dinners, every experience during the Month of Love at Kandooma Maldives has been meticulously crafted to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Continue Reading

Featured

Amilla Maldives celebrates sustainability milestones with global accolades

Published

on

Amilla Maldives has reached several important milestones that underscore its dedication to sustainability and responsible hospitality. The resort has earned the Forbes Responsible Hospitality VERIFIED™ Badge 2025, been recognised as Runner-Up for Best Hotel for Sustainability at the LLM Readers’ Travel Awards 2024, and achieved EarthCheck Silver Certification. These accomplishments highlight its commitment to environmental conservation, community involvement, and inclusivity.

Amilla Maldives is among the first 100 hotels worldwide to receive the Forbes Responsible Hospitality VERIFIED™ Badge for 2025. This accolade follows its recognition as Responsible Hospitality Partner of the Year 2024 by Forbes Travel Guide. The badge represents compliance with over 100 rigorous standards aimed at safeguarding the environment and enhancing the well-being of employees, guests, and local communities. The resort’s management emphasised that sustainability and inclusivity are integral to its identity, with a continuous effort to create a welcoming experience while preserving the natural beauty of Baa Atoll.

The resort was also honoured as Runner-Up in the ‘Best Hotel for Sustainability’ category at the LLM Readers’ Travel Awards 2024. This recognition celebrates its innovative initiatives, including support for the Maldives Resilient Reefs Programme to promote sustainable reef fishing, efforts to minimise single-use plastics, and dedication to accessibility through its IncluCare certification. The acknowledgment serves as motivation for the resort to maintain a balance between luxury, nature, and community engagement.

Amilla Maldives has further demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by earning EarthCheck Silver Certification for the fourth consecutive year. This certification reflects adherence to stringent environmental and social responsibility standards. The resort’s sustainability team reaffirmed their commitment to advancing sustainable practices while preserving the Maldives’ natural environment for future generations.

Continue Reading

Celebration

Celebrate the Year of the Snake in unmatched luxury at Kuda Villingili

Published

on

Kuda Villingili is set to commemorate Lunar New Year 2025 with an extraordinary celebration inspired by the grace and wisdom of the Year of the Snake. This exclusive event offers guests an opportunity to embark on a memorable journey of cultural discovery and festive joy, perfectly aligned with the resort’s ethos of timeless serenity.

The Year of the Snake holds deep significance in Chinese culture, symbolising intelligence, grace, and intuitive power. To mark this zodiac year in grand style, Kuda Villingili has planned a spectacular celebration featuring vibrant cultural experiences. Guests can marvel at the mesmerising Lion and Dragon Dances, the electrifying beats of Chinese Drummers, and the elegance of Traditional Chinese Dance. Festive mascots will make whimsical appearances, and snake-themed art workshops will provide engaging activities for guests of all ages.

Culinary delights will play a central role in the festivities, with an exclusive buffet dinner scheduled for Wednesday, 29 January 2025. The menu will showcase auspicious dishes, including dumplings, whole fish, and tangyuan, all crafted with care by the resort’s skilled chefs.

Guests can also savour a hot pot lunch at East restaurant, complete with their preferred sides and broth choices. This intimate dining experience encourages families to share stories, reflect on the past year, and create new aspirations for the Year of the Snake. At Mar-Umi, families and loved ones can gather for a memorable meal or indulge in the art of Teppanyaki, where expert chefs will prepare fresh, flavourful dishes with dazzling showmanship. This interactive dining experience promises to create cherished memories filled with laughter and culinary delight.

For those seeking adventure, the resort offers sunset cruises on a traditional Maldivian dhoni, complete with playful dolphin sightings and opportunities for traditional line fishing under the glowing sunset. Guests can also enjoy water activities in the serene lagoon, such as jet ski tours and Seabob underwater exploration. The resort’s dive centre provides opportunities to pick up a new hobby or enhance diving skills while exploring over 50 stunning dive sites around Kaafu Atoll, where close encounters with sea turtles and vibrant reef fish await.

The Kuda Fiyo Kids Club will ensure younger guests are immersed in the festive spirit with a variety of thoughtfully curated activities designed to bring laughter and joy to their Lunar New Year celebrations.

This immersive experience combines the warmth of Chinese traditions with the unparalleled luxury of Kuda Villingili, offering an unforgettable beginning to the lunar year. The resort invites guests to celebrate the Year of the Snake in style, embracing a new year filled with beauty, harmony, and timeless memories.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.