A repatriation flight by Maldivian has brought back 159 Maldivians who were stuck in Cochin and Bangalore in India due the Covid-19 lockdown in the country.

Their flight landed at 1300hrs local time on Tuesday.

Speaking during a press conference at the National Emergency Operation Center last night, Covid-19 Spokesperson Mabrouq Azeez noted that all those who are being brought back were in India for medical purposes, sponsored by Aasandha.

While about 8,000 Maldivians currently abroad have registered to return to the country, there are many who haven't registered as well.

During the press conference last night, Mabrouq noted that in an ideal situation all those who wish to return would be able to do so but given the severity of the situation, anyone who does not need to return should stay back where they are according to him,

Maldivian had previously brought 388 Maldivians in India, 100 in Sri Lanka and 197 in Malaysia back to the country,