India, Maldives reverse visa stand-off

India, Maldives reverse visa stand-off

1. India and Maldives has exchanged formal diplomatic notes for the implementation of Visa Facilitation Agreement . The agreement was signed in 2018 during Maldives President visit to India. This Agreement will facilitate greater people to people contacts between India and Maldives
2. According to the agreement, the Indian government will ease visa regime for Maldivian nationals who visit India for tourism, business, education & medical purpose
3. Maldivian government will provide visas on arrival for Indian businessmen. It also stipulates that work permits will be issued within 15 days to Indian applying for work in Maldives. Further, the visa fees will be paid by employers in the Maldives.
4. India-Maldives ties have improved after the election of new Maldivian President. Former President had tightened visas for Indian businessmen and professionals impacting people-to-people ties.