Discussions have been held during the UK-Maldives Dialogue to address the difficulties faced by Maldivians in obtaining visas.

Maldivians traveling to the UK get a six-month visa. But some people have been facing issues with changes to immigration policies. These include not getting visas for dependents of students.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Foreign Ministry said the government raised matters related to visa and immigration during the meeting held in Male'.

"Recognising the increasing number of Maldivian students travelling to the UK for higher education, the Maldives raised visa and immigration matters, and both sides agreed to continue discussions to facilitate smoother processes for visa issuance," it stated.

The two countries also discussed increasing Chevening and Commonwealth scholarship opportunities for Maldivian students.

Other important matters discussed during the meeting include regional security, extremism, counter-terrorism and organized crime.

The UK agreed to help increase the capacity of the Maldivian security forces and to provide technical assistance to security forces and training opportunities in policing, defense and maritime security.