President expresses gratitude to the UAE government for visa leniency for Maldivians

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, on behalf of all Maldivians, has expressed his gratitude to the President of the UAE His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the government of UAE for authorizing 30-days’ on arrival visa for Maldivians, starting 1 January 2019. The President also said that the Maldives and UAE shared close brotherly bonds.

While meeting the Maldivian community residing in UAE, President Solih stated that the administration was working with other gulf countries as well, on facilitating similar ease of travel for Maldivians. He noted that a high number of local professionals were employed overseas at various high-level jobs, at renowned institutes.

President Solih underscored the vast array of jobs being performed by Maldivians abroad, including the aviation, trade, tourism, education and hospitality industries. Speaking in this regard, the President encouraged those aspiring for employment abroad, to pursue quality education and necessary training in the desired fields, and to always work hard towards their dreams with steadfast determination.

In his speech, the President also highlighted the foreign policy of his administration. He noted that the international community was not most welcoming towards the Maldives at the time of his assumption of office. President Solih also said that his administration always prioritises maintaining good relations with all friendly and complying countries to international declarations and universal guidelines.

President Solih is making the visit to UAE at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi & Deputy Supreme Commander of Armed Forces of the UAE, to attend the Zayed Sustainability Awards Ceremony and the Inauguration of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, which was held this morning.