Maldives to open Honorary Consulate in Bangalore

Bangalore is fast becoming a favoured destination for Maldivians who depend on South Indian cities for medical and other emergencies.

With direct flights opening up more South Indian cities to the islanders, the Maldives Government is now taking the first steps to ‘formalise’ its relations with the Garden City. The Maldives Government is planning to open a Honorary Consulate in Bangalore in view of the increasing presence of its nationals there. There will not be a full-fledged office, but a Honorary Consul will be appointed, sources said.

Maldives already has a full-fledged Consulate in Thiruvananthapuram, the South Indian city currently most depended upon by Maldivians particularly for medical needs.

Majority of the direct flights between India and Maldives are operated from Thiruvananthapuram, but this is fast changing with other South Indian cities also demanding their share of the pie.

The Honorary Consulate in Bangalore will be the second in South India after Chennai. Maldives strung south of Lakshadweep and comprising 20 atolls, also has Honorary Consulates in Kolkata and Mumbai.

Thiruvananthapuram has been playing host to Maldives nationals for some years now and many private hospitals extend special packages to the islanders. In fact, some hospitals in the city even sport special Maldivian dishes on their menu.

Source: newindpress.com