It appears the Maldives is a popular destination for many South Africans, especially those on honeymoon. At least 40 South African citizens are stuck in the tropical paradise as repatriation is in discussion.
An article by the New York Times outlined the eerie, expensive but lush living arrangements of one such couple Raul and Olivia de Freitas. The couple left for their honeymoon on 22 March, after being reassured by their travel agent it was okay to go.
However, South Africa went into lockdown on 26 March, leaving those outside the country without a way back.
The couple were the last left guests at the resort which usually goes for around R14,000 per night ($750). Despite living at a discounted rate, their predicament has continued to become increasingly costly.
In addition to the cost for the honeymooners, the staff at the resort have also been stuck with them. As a result of rules set down by the government, all staff at the resort had to stay on while guests were still present. This left local staff serving the two last guests.
They have now moved to another resort with around 20-something South Africans, where they are being housed at a discounted rate while waiting for a flight out of the country.
‘Everyone says they want to be stuck on a tropical island, until you’re actually stuck,’ de Freitas told the New York Times. ‘It only sounds good because you know you can leave.’
According to SA People, another couple Stuart Trenoweth and his wife Tanya Viljoen are also stuck on the island. They, like the de Freitas couple, were initially told the best solution is for all those stuck on the island to charter a plane together and adhere to the strict two-week quarantine after landing in South Africa.
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It appears there are around 40 South African holidaymakers who are wanting to return home, along with other citizens who had been working in the country.
Image: Pixabay
