Five Maldivian Families Stranded in Syria Repatriated
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Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan announced today that five Maldivian families, who had fled to Syria, were successfully repatriated to Male’ via a chartered flight in the early morning hours.
The repatriation comes amid reports that over 100 Maldivians had fled to Syria, with an estimated 70 losing their lives in the conflict. Minister Ihusan disclosed that more than 90 Maldivian nationals, specifically widows of fighters and their children, have formally requested government intervention to facilitate their return.
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These individuals currently find themselves in dire conditions in camps near Syria’s border with Turkey, lacking access to essential resources such as food, clean water, healthcare, and education.
The chartered flight, carrying 21 individuals from the five families, touched down at Velana International Airport (VIA) at 05:02 am today. Among the returnees were six adults, comprising four women and an 18-year-old man, along with 15 children, the youngest being just three years old.
To confirm their nationality, authorities conducted DNA tests on the returnees and collaborated with Turkish authorities to execute the repatriation process. A team of 15 police officers flew to Turkey on Sunday to facilitate the safe return of the families.
Upon arrival, the families were transported to the National Re-integration Center (NRC) in K. Himmafushi, where they will undergo assessments, rehabilitation, and deradicalization processes. According to legal provisions, they are required to stay at the center for a minimum of one year before being reintegrated into society. The move aims to ensure a comprehensive and structured approach to their reintegration process.
The repatriation of these families highlights ongoing efforts by the government to address the complex challenges faced by Maldivian nationals involved in conflicts abroad, emphasising the importance of thorough assessments and rehabilitation procedures in their return to society.
