AGP Executive Report

Maritime Safety & Environment: Two large oil tankers that entered Maldivian waters without authorization were later swept by rough seas, with one crashing into a Sinamalé Bridge pillar; MNDF says crews were rescued and handed to Customs, while EPA is assessing reef and possible bridge damage. Weather Watch: MNDF urged seafarers and passengers to wear life jackets and avoid voyages during Met Office Yellow/Orange alerts as strong winds, rough seas and widespread rain are forecast. Tourism Access & Growth: Maldives plans to welcome seven more airlines in the final quarter, boosting capacity ahead of peak season. Tourism Regulation: A new Tourism Ministry rule allows termination of long-stalled tourism land leases if development hasn’t progressed for eight years and unpaid dues and fines reach USD 10m+. Visa Moves: Belarus approved a draft visa-free deal with Maldives (up to 30 days per visit, 90 days total yearly), while Ghanaian passport holders gained visa-free travel to Maldives (up to 30 days). Health Milestone: Maldives became the first WHO SEAR country to hit a 2030 premature-death target for major chronic diseases four years early. Women in Tourism: Aishath Sheena became the first licensed woman tour guide in the Maldives. Local Enforcement: Immigration carried out raids in Greater Malé, checking 42 expatriates across 11 locations and detaining those found violating rules. BRICS/Global: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is attending the BRICS summit in New Delhi and will then visit Malé.

Health Milestone: The Maldives became the first WHO South-East Asia country to hit a 2030 target on cutting premature deaths from major chronic diseases—four years early—while also maintaining elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus for a decade. Tourism Capacity Push: Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen says seven more airlines are set to start Maldives flights in the final quarter, aiming to lift arrivals during the peak season. Tourism Land Enforcement: A new Tourism Ministry regulation allows the state to terminate tourism land leases where projects have stalled for eight years and where unpaid dues and fines reach USD 10m or more. FX Rules Update: The Maldives Monetary Authority amended Foreign Exchange Act-linked regulations, raising the USD-revenue threshold for mandatory FX conversion and adjusting conversion rates for different business categories. Immigration Crackdown: Maldives Immigration carried out a Greater Malé raid on small establishments, checking 42 expatriates and detaining five for immigration violations. Tourism Industry Moves: mFaisaa has been integrated into the Got To Go Maldives app for digital payments, and a first woman has been licensed as a tour guide. Weather Alert: Met Office warns of widespread rain, heavy showers and thunderstorms across the country from 11–13 September.

Tourism Outlook: Maldives expects seven airlines to launch seasonal flights in the fourth quarter, with the Tourism Minister pointing to a rebound after earlier-year arrival drops. FX & Taxes: Maldives Monetary Authority enacted regulations detailing leniencies under the Foreign Exchange Act, including higher thresholds for mandatory dollar exchange and new conversion rules for tourism and non-tourism businesses. Industry Pushback: MATI urged dialogue with the government over the new tourism tax and forex requirements for resorts and overseas travel agents, warning operators against rushing into legal action. Money Changer Crackdown: MMA warned the public against illegal foreign exchange trading by unlicensed dealers, saying police have logged dozens of cases via a hotline. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Finance Minister Hassan Zareer met Abu Dhabi Fund for Development officials to secure financing for development projects, while the Economic Ministry said the Thilafushi port’s development, ownership and operation will remain under government control. Capital Living: Male’ faces severe congestion, with an economic minister citing only 18% of road space for pedestrians. Resort News: Kandooma Maldives unveiled its new brand identity ahead of its 1 October debut, while Sun Siyam achieved Green Globe certification across its entire Maldives portfolio.

Chagos Stand-Off: UK PM Andy Burnham says Britain will not abandon its Diego Garcia military presence and insists Chagos sovereignty is a UK–Mauritius matter, after Maldives President Muizzu invited Burnham for talks. Money-Changers Crackdown: The Maldives Monetary Authority warns against illegal foreign exchange trading and urges customers to use MMA-licensed dealers only, citing ongoing unlicensed activity. Tourism Integrity Push: The International Forum on Promoting Integrity and Combating Corruption in the Tourism Sector discussed why anti-corruption efforts often fail, stressing prevention and ethical culture over paperwork-only compliance. GST on Travel Agents: Maldives’ new T-GST rules are explained as a shift from the origin principle, with MIRA unable to access transactions made by offshore booking platforms. Health Alert: CDC updated its global travel advisory after dengue upticks, including Maldives among countries with higher-than-expected cases among returning travelers. Urban Life: Male’ faces severe congestion, with only about 18% of road space available for pedestrians, officials say. Port Control: Maldives says the Thilafushi international port’s development, ownership and operations will remain under government control. El Niño Preparedness: NDMA urges pre-emptive steps as El Niño strengthens, warning of severe impacts through early 2027. Tourism Roadshow: NHGAM, Visit Maldives and MATATO plan a CIS region roadshow in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Almaty to boost trade links.

Chagos Sovereignty Clash: Maldives President Muizzu has invited UK PM Andy Burnham for official talks over Chagos, pushing back on the UK’s plan to hand sovereignty to Mauritius; the UK says the issue is for the UK and Mauritius alone. Customs Crackdown on Vapes: Maldives Customs says 232 people were fined MVR 723.5m for illegal vape imports, but only about MVR 800,000 has been paid so far. El Niño Preparedness: NDMA urges pre-emptive steps as El Niño strengthens, warning of severe impacts and calling for updated business continuity and safety measures. Media Regulation Deadline: MMBC warns news outlets must re-register by Oct 27, 2026 or face cancellation of registrations. Immigration Enforcement: Seven foreigners were detained in Hulhumalé for working illegally in salons and spas. Tourism & Marine Conservation: JOALI Maldives reports 11,124 coral fragments planted in its reef restoration programme; Maldives also set a Guinness record with 314 simultaneous snorkelers at Niva Kurumba. Health Advisory: HPA issues heat warnings as temperatures stay above normal under intensifying El Niño.

World Record for Reefs: Maldives set a Guinness World Record with 314 people snorkeling simultaneously at Niva Kurumba Maldives, beating the 305-person mark set in 2025 at Siyam World—an ocean-conservation push by Bank of Maldives. Illegal Work Crackdown: Maldives Immigration says seven foreigners were detained after a Hulhumale’ salon and spa inspection found them working without proper authorization; more nationwide operations are underway. Media Licensing Deadline: The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission warns outlets that fail to re-register under new rules will lose their licenses after Oct 27, 2026. Chagos Sovereignty Talks: President Muizzu has written to UK PM Andy Burnham asking for renewed dialogue over Chagos rather than handing it to Mauritius. Heat Alert: With El Niño intensifying, the HPA urges residents to watch for heat exhaustion and heat stroke symptoms as temperatures stay above normal. Regional Diplomacy & Sports: India’s MEA clarified that participation in the 2027 SAF Games in Pakistan will follow sports policy and international federation rules. Tourism & Business: TGI Fridays signed a development deal with Devolli Group for its first expansion into Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia, including 10 planned restaurants.

Chagos Diplomacy: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has invited UK PM Andrew Burnham for official talks over the UK’s planned handover of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, stressing sovereignty concerns and calling for meaningful dialogue. Tourism & Business Leadership: Ahmed Shaheer has been appointed Chairman of MTDC, replacing Abdullah Faiz, while the Maldives also sees more hospitality activity with Nova Maldives partnering with PADI for Project AWARE Week (16–20 Sept). Public Finance & Health: Muizzu says online transaction issues will be eased via higher mandatory conversion of resort dollar earnings (40%), and he also announced Aasandha coverage changes for high-income earners (MVR 65,000+). Governance & Oversight: The Maldives Pension Administration Office increased its board to nine members after a bond-related shakeup. Health & Safety: HPA urged motorcyclists to make helmet use a daily habit, citing major injury risk reduction. Medical Milestone: ADK Hospital carried out the Maldives’ first robotic-assisted surgeries—two knee replacements. Trade & Security Watch: Government is reviewing WSJ allegations that restricted goods linked to Russia may have moved through Maldives cargo operations.

Health Tech: ADK Hospital says Maldives has completed its first robotic-assisted surgeries, with two robotic-assisted knee replacements, a step aimed at bringing more specialised care home. Aasandha Reform: President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced changes to Aasandha coverage for high-income earners (MVR 65,000+), with full government-funded insurance expected to be reduced and replaced by co-payment/pre-payment or annual contributions. Tourism Finance & Online Shopping: Muizzu also defended transaction difficulties for online purchases, linking them to a new 40% mandatory conversion of resort dollar earnings through local banks. Telecom Politics: Former President Mohamed Nasheed opposed plans to increase the state stake in Dhiraagu, calling it wasteful and arguing the company stays politically independent as a minority shareholder model. Road Safety: HPA urged motorcyclists to make helmet use a daily habit, citing up to 74% risk reduction for severe brain injuries. Education: Syllabi soft-launched Syllabi Exam Prep for O-Level and A-Level practice, free until Sept 15. Trade & Sanctions Watch: Government is reviewing allegations of restricted goods moving through Maldives linked to Russia, following a Wall Street Journal report. Tourism Growth: Maldives expanded accommodation capacity by 1,069 beds since end of last year to 68,544 beds, as arrivals keep rising.

Dhiraagu Ownership Row: Former President Mohamed Nasheed says increasing the state’s stake in Dhiraagu would be “wasteful,” arguing the telecom works best as a privatized model with government as a minority shareholder. Tourism Capacity Boost: Maldives has added 1,069 beds since end-2025, bringing total accommodation to 68,544 beds; resorts still lead, but guesthouses are growing fast. Guesthouse Demand: More than 300,000 tourists have stayed in guesthouses this year (22% of arrivals), showing wider choice beyond resorts. El Niño Warning: Maldives Met Office says El Niño effects are expected to peak in November, with reduced rainfall likely and added pressure on fishing and other sectors. Trade Finance Deal: Government signed a five-year framework with ITFC to mobilise up to USD 1.5B for trade financing (2026-2031). GST Pushback: European travel groups ABTA and ECTAA urge Maldives to delay new GST rules for foreign booking platforms and tour operators. Health Tech: ADK Hospital completed the Maldives’ first robotic-assisted surgeries (two knee replacements). Media Privacy Rule: Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission says callers must be explicitly informed before live broadcast of phone calls. Police Integrity: Home Minister stressed “no room for corruption” within the police, warning of swift action on misconduct. Ocean Literacy Partnership: Dhiraagu teamed up with SEED to expand ocean education for children and youth.

Tourism Capacity Boost: Maldives has added 1,069 beds since end-2025, bringing total accommodation to 68,544 beds as of Sept 5, with resorts still leading (45,891 beds). Guesthouse Demand: Guesthouses are also gaining traction, with 317,178 visitors so far this year—about 22% of total arrivals. Climate Outlook: The Maldives Meteorological Service warns El Niño effects are expected to peak in November, likely bringing reduced rainfall and added pressure on fishing, tourism and agriculture. Trade Finance Push: Government signed a five-year USD 1.5B framework with ITFC to expand trade financing for public and private sectors, including support via local financial institutions. Ocean Literacy Partnerships: Dhiraagu teamed up with SEED (and separately SEAD) to expand ocean education for children and youth across Hulhumalé and islands. Media Rules on Privacy: The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission says callers must be explicitly informed before phone calls are broadcast live, citing a Raajje TV incident. Health & Training: State Pharma installed a digital stock system to show pharmacy availability in real time, while IGMH opened applications for the 13th medical internship round starting next month. Governance & Integrity: Home Minister stressed there should be no room for corruption or abuse of power within the police.

Tourism Capacity Boost: The Maldives has added 1,069 beds since end-2025, reaching 68,544 beds as of Sept 5, with resorts still leading (45,891 beds) and guesthouses at 17,268. Local Tourism Demand: Guesthouses are also surging—317,178 visitors have stayed in them this year, about 22% of 1,461,682 total arrivals, while resorts hosted 1,053,055. Medicine Access Upgrade: State Pharma installed a digital stock system to let pharmacies’ medicine availability be viewed in real time, with public updates expected within two months and a 24-hour hotline (1505). Healthcare Training: IGMH opened applications for the 13th medical internship round, increasing slots to 24 and offering an MVR 10,000 allowance; the programme is set to start next month. Consumer Credit Watch: MMA data shows personal loans rose to MVR 9.2bn as of July, up from June, as overall private-sector credit climbed to MVR 41.34bn. Ocean Literacy Push: Dhiraagu partnered with SEED and SEAD to expand ocean literacy for children and youth across Hulhumalé and islands like K. Kaashidhoo and B. Goidhoo. Sports & Culture: The 14th Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy is underway at Sultans, running Sept 4–11. Regional Ties: Bangladesh reaffirmed climate cooperation with the Maldives through UNICEF’s “Youth Track to COP31” programme. Governance: High Court Judge Ibrahim Mahir retired after 20 years, reducing the bench from 11 to 10 while legal changes are reportedly being considered.

Esports Push: President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu says esports achievements will be formally recognized and a new facility is planned, including an esports center and youth-focused activities, after a competitor raised the lack of official awards in his public dialogue. Tourism Mix: New Ministry of Tourism figures show 317,178 guesthouse stays so far this year—about 22% of total arrivals (1,461,682)—with resorts still leading at 73.5%. Thilafushi Port Shift: Maldives Ports Limited has signed the first phase of the Thilafushi Port project with China Harbour Engineering Company, moving ahead on design and quay-wall work and raising strategic concerns. Capital Market Plan: The Maldives Stock Exchange and Securities Depository announce a 2026–2030 strategy to help SMEs raise funds, expand debt listings, and target a tourism listing by 2027. Regional Aid: The Maldives pledges MVR 1 million to Nepal’s disaster relief fund after deadly floods and landslides. Guesthouse Growth: Guesthouse arrivals have passed 300,000, reinforcing the segment’s growing role as travellers look for more affordable stays.

Maldives-India Connectivity: India’s MEA says the Greater Male Connectivity Project is a “stellar example” of Indian support, noting the Male–Vilimael bridge segment is completed and expected to finish by 2026. Port Deal Watch: The Maldives has signed an MoU with a Chinese firm for Phase 1 of Thilafushi Port, replacing a joint plan with India—sparking strategic concerns. Fisheries Finance: MVR 14.5 million has been disbursed in loans to 113 fishermen via the Masveriya Portal, covering equipment, vessel needs, home upgrades and education. Health Infrastructure: The Health Ministry laid the foundation for an ADB-funded Central Cold Chain Facility in Hulhumalé to strengthen vaccine and temperature-sensitive medical storage. Tourism & Travel: Four Seasons is promoting Maldives resorts for weddings and private gatherings, while a separate report highlights how the Maldives’ seaplane economy still relies on the long-running Twin Otter design. Regional Solidarity: President Muizzu pledged MVR 1 million to Nepal’s disaster relief fund after the floods and landslides. Tech Disruption: A major AI outage reportedly hit services like ChatGPT and Claude, including users in the Maldives.

Fisheries Finance: The Fisheries Ministry says MVR 14.5 million in loans has been disbursed to 113 fishermen as of end-August via the Masveriya Portal, letting registered fishermen apply remotely for Islamic financing covering equipment upgrades, vessel needs, home work, and even children’s higher education. Disaster Solidarity: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu pledged MVR 1 million to Nepal’s Disaster Relief Fund after the Aug 26 floods and landslides, reiterating Maldives support for relief and recovery. Port Deal Watch: Maldives Ports Limited has signed an MoU with China Harbour Engineering Company for Phase 1 of Thilafushi Port, a move that has raised strategic concerns in India. Tax Recovery: MIRA recovered MVR 3.5 billion in outstanding revenue in the first six months, with total unpaid taxes standing at MVR 14.5 billion by end-June. Health Infrastructure: The Health Ministry laid the foundation stone for a Central Cold Chain Facility in Hulhumalé under an ADB-funded project to strengthen vaccine and temperature-sensitive medicine storage. Tourism & Policy: Thailand will cut visa-free stays for Maldivians and others from 60 days to 30 days from Sept 15, 2026.

Media & Trust: Shaheeb Media wrapped up a 10-day “Advanced Media Sensitization” programme in Malé, graduating 25 media and PR officers, with a strong push on verifying information before publishing. Health Infrastructure: The Health Ministry laid the foundation stone for a Central Cold Chain Facility in Hulhumalé, backed by an ADB-funded project, to improve safe storage of vaccines and temperature-sensitive supplies. Tax & Enforcement: MIRA recovered MVR 3.5 billion in outstanding revenue in the first six months, while also moving to gather information on foreign parties selling tourist beds. Public Safety: Police report about MVR 2 million lost to scams in August, with currency exchange fraud among the biggest categories. Tourism Pulse: August saw the highest tourist arrivals since the Middle East war disruptions, with China and Russia leading source markets. Tourism & Geopolitics: Reports say Maldives is being used as a route for Russian sanctions evasion via Malé airport cargo flows. Diplomacy/Regional Links: Maldives is included among countries participating in India’s CBI economic offence investigation training for ITEC nations. Appointments: ananea Madivaru Maldives appointed Pierre Leif Edlund as General Manager.

Economic Crime Training: India’s CBI ran a one-week economic offence investigation course for 30 officers from 13 ITEC countries, including Maldives, covering investigation, SOPs and prosecution. Health Infrastructure: Maldives’ Health Ministry broke ground on a Central Cold Chain Facility in Hulhumalé under ADB’s APVAX project to strengthen vaccine and temperature-sensitive supply storage. Tax Recovery: MIRA says it recovered MVR 3.5 billion in outstanding revenue in the first six months, with total unpaid taxes at MVR 14.5 billion by end-June. Public Health Alert: Hawaiʻi reported dengue detected in Hilo wastewater, with no active cases currently tracked—an extra reminder for travellers. Governance & Services: Maldives logged 2,538 births and 813 deaths in the first six months, and plans 113 housing projects nationwide. Currency Debate: Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam urged people not to “sensationalize” the US dollar, calling for reforms to strengthen the rufiyaa. State Enterprise Politics: STELCO suspended an HR staff member after a live TV remark linked employee party sign-ups to PNC. Tourism & Security: Maldives is again flagged as a transit route for Russian sanctions evasion, while police reported about MVR 2 million lost to scams in August.