Maldives reciprocates on visa arrangements with India

The Maldivian Government on 6 February announced that effective 1 February, it has initiated the process of granting multiple entry 90-day visa-free entry to the Maldives for Indian nationals for business purposes. This was part of the 'Agreement on the Facilitation of Visa Arrangements between the Government of Maldives and the Government of India' agreed upon and signed on 17 December 2018, and which came into force in 2019. 

Under the agreement, since 2019, Maldivians have been allowed visa-free visits to India for all purposes, including for tourism and business and to avail health care services. It was a boon for the Maldivian people, given that the country is heavily dependent on medical services available in India. When the pandemic hit in 2020 and India closed its borders, the Maldives was one of the few countries from where people were still allowed to travel to India for medical purposes, albeit with a visa acquired through the High Commission in the Maldives. This requirement was also lifted in October 2021. 

The granting of visa-free entry for Indian nationals to the Maldives for business purposes is the reciprocation by the Maldivian government under the agreement. Tourists from all countries are granted 30-day free on-arrival visas, and hence extension of visa-free entry for Indian tourists is not applicable under the agreement. 

The current government has maintained close ties with India and has reiterated commitment to an India-First approach in its foreign policy objectives. It is also an important component of India's 'Neighborhood First Policy' and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).