Authorities Monitoring Safety of Maldivian Students Amid Escalating Middle East Conflict, Ministry Says
Minister for Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed | Photo: Ministry for Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development
The Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development has expressed concern over the safety of Maldivian Students studying abroad following escalations in conflicts in the Middle East, and said they are closely monitoring the situation in order to aid the affected students.
In a statement, the ministry said the government will take all necessary measures to safeguard students abroad and is maintaining continuous communication with relevant authorities, diplomatic missions and educational institutions to provide support and assistance where required.
Officials said the safety of students remains the highest priority and that the ministry stands ready to take appropriate action to ensure their protection during the current period of instability.
The safety and well-being of Maldivian students abroad remain our highest priority. We are closely monitoring the situation and will take all necessary measures to ensure their protection and support. pic.twitter.com/UHwdn4Vfxi— Min. of Higher Edu, Labour and Skills Development (@MoHEmv) March 1, 2026
Although the ministry has stated they are monitoring the situation and taking the necessary steps to ensure student safety, they are yet to provide details on their methods. The ministry has not provided updates on the students currently studying abroad, particularly regarding the students studying at or in the region of the affected countries.
The announcement by the ministry comes amid heightened regional tensions after Iran launched attacks on United States assets across several Gulf Arab states, in retaliation for a large-scale joint strike by the US and Israel, according to Al Jazeera. The report cited the Fars news agency in stating that Iran targeted sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where airbases hosting US assets are located. According to the Ministry of Higher Education, of the targeted countries, 21 Maldivians students are currently studying in the UAE.
Al Jazeera further reported that Iran also confirmed that its Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed in an Israeli airstrike.
In response to the evolving situation, President Mohamed Muizzu established a Special Cabinet Committee to coordinate government action. The President’s Office spokesperson, Heena Waleed, said the committee was formed to implement joint measures and address potential challenges Maldivians may face as the crisis develops.Authorities have reiterated that they will continue monitoring developments closely and provide updates as necessary to ensure the wellbeing of citizens abroad.
