Indian High Commission said on Thursday that online appointments for VISA have not been decreased for Maldivians travelling to India.
They have said that demand is exceptionally high though.
Due to the high COVID-19 numbers in India, the country is only issuing medical VISAs only at the moment.
Some people have reported their VISA appointments were set to dates in mid September.
Deputy High Commissioner Rohit Ritish said they have increased the number of VISA appointments. However he highlighted that the number of people wanting to travel to India has increased.
He said that Indian High Commission would start allowing Maldivians to travel there without a VISA as soon as the spread of coronavirus is controlled in the nation. An agreement signed between the two nation in 2018 allows for Maldivians to enter India "VISA free", he said.
"In fact, we are giving more appointments than usual. However, there is a huge rush if maldivians wishing to travel to India. We are trying our best to accommodate all applicants as soon as possible," Rohit said. Once covid situation improves and India's borders open, we hope to resume visa-free travel for Maldivians to India under the December 2018 visa free agreement
India is highly frequented by Maldivians for healthcare, education, and other purposes as well. After India closed it's borders due to COVID-19, it later established a "travel bubble" between the two nations to allow Maldivians to visit on special circumstances, and requiring a permit prior to the visit.
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