Final member of Tamil group relocated to Maldives, says UK newspaper

The The Telegraph has reported that the final individual from a group of ethnic Tamils rescued at sea in 2021 has been brought to the Maldives from Diego Garcia.

According to the report published on the 27th of last month, the individual, identified as KP, was relocated from Diego Garcia to the Maldives via private jet. The decision was taken due to concerns over potential security risks linked to tensions involving Iran.

The group, consisting of 60 individuals, had been rescued by the British Royal Navy after fleeing the Maldives. All members of the group, except KP, were later relocated to the United Kingdom.

The report stated that KP was not transferred to the UK due to allegations including sexual harassment and arson.

It further stated that Maldivian authorities granted permission for KP to remain in the Maldives for a period of 30 days, with expenses to be covered by the British government.

According to the report:

Under an agreement reached last May between the United Kingdom and Mauritius, sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia, is to be transferred to Mauritius. The agreement also includes a lease arrangement for the base for approximately £100 million per year over a period of 99 years.

The agreement has not yet been ratified.

The Maldivian government raised concerns with the UK on the matter in November 2024 and again in January this year.

Mauritius previously decided to sever diplomatic ties with the Maldives following differences over the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands. The Maldivian government has maintained that Mauritius does not hold sovereign authority over the archipelago and that it should belong to the Maldives.