Minister Discloses MVR 1.8 Million Cost for Syria Repatriation
Photo: PSM
Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan revealed that the repatriation of five families stranded in Syria, consisting of 21 individuals, incurred a cost of MVR 1.8 million.
During a press briefing last afternoon, Minister Ihusaan addressed journalists and provided details about the repatriation process. He stated that the total cost was over USD 120,000 (MVR 1.8 million), emphasising that a significant portion of the expense was attributed to chartering a private airline for the operation.
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It is estimated that over 100 Maldivians fled to Syria for conflict-related reasons, with around 70 reported casualties in the ongoing conflict.
The flight carrying 21 individuals, including six adults and 15 children, landed at Velana International Airport (VIA), yesterday The group underwent DNA testing to confirm their nationality, and coordination with Turkish authorities facilitated their repatriation.
A team of 15 police officers was dispatched to Turkey on Sunday to escort the families back to the Maldives. Upon arrival, the families were taken to the National Reintegration Center (NRC) in K. Himmafushi, where they will undergo assessments, rehabilitation, and deradicalisation.
According to legal requirements, the families must remain at the NRC for a minimum of one year before being reintegrated into society.
Minister Ihusaan also disclosed that an additional 90 Maldivians stranded in Syria have sought government intervention for repatriation. Efforts are underway to verify their nationalities and gather relevant information, acknowledging the challenge of incomplete information often received when locals request government assistance for their return.
Minister Ihusaan highlighted a common pattern where individuals travel to Syria influenced by family members.
Due to the absence of direct flights to conflict zones from the Maldives, he noted that people typically travel to other nations under different pretexts before finding routes to conflict zones.
