Foreign reporters covering Maldives election have to obtain visas, decides Immigration Department

Department of Immigration and Emigration has decided that international reporters, photographers and cameramen arriving in the Maldives to cover the October 19th presidential election will have to obtain business visas to cover the election.

Controller of Immigration Dr Mohamed Ali said today that although foreign journalists could cover Maldives election on tourist visas up until now, such journalists now have to obtain a business visa to conduct their coverage.

He said that visa applications by international observers will also be subjected to verification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Up until now, we issue visas based on a list provided by the Elections (Commission). We cannot allow them to enter on a tourist visa and cover the election. We have communicated this to the relevant authorities,” Controller said.

He said that journalists who wish to obtain visas to cover the election will be granted the appropriate visas with due procedure. Similarly, foreign observers will also be granted visas after verification with the Foreign Ministry.

The Maldives presidential election in September received wide coverage from international news agencies. Maldives also received a large amount of international observers to witness the elections.