M'sians in Mauritania being monitored, says embassy in Morocco

CORONAVIRUS | The Malaysian embassy in Morocco is monitoring the condition of some 37 Malaysian professionals and students in Mauritania after the country imposed an emergency order and the closure of all entry points into the North African country, including the Nouakchott International Airport.

Deputy Chief of Mission Shahril Nizam Abdul Malek said currently there are seven registered Malaysian students and approximately 30 Malaysian professionals working in the oil and gas sector in Mauritania.

The number of Malaysian expatriates in Mauritania fluctuate constantly based on their contract duration in the oil and gas sector, he noted.

“The embassy (in Morocco) is monitoring the situation of seven Malaysian professionals working in the oil and gas sector in Mauritania, five of whom are stranded.

“They are keeping safe and are currently under self-quarantine imposed by the Mauritanian government,” he told Bernama in an email reply. The Malaysian embassy in Morocco is also accredited to Mauritania.

He added that various options are being considered in repatriating them home and the embassy is in close consultation with various stakeholders including the Mauritanian government.

Realising the importance of accurate and timely information, the embassy has established a WhatsApp group to ensure that it is constantly in contact with the Malaysian community.

Shahril Nizam said the embassy would like to advise all Malaysians to be patient in the current challenging situation and adhere to rules and regulations by local authorities.

According to Johns Hopkins University data, Mauritania has six Covid-19 cases and one death.

- Bernama 

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