AGP Executive Report

Political Challenge: Former President Abdulla Yameen told a PNF rally he sees no legal basis to imprison him, as he faces questions about his eligibility for the 2028 presidential race. He also accused President Muizzu’s administration of misleading the public. Housing: HDC says about half of Hulhumalé’s 12,000-plus housing tenants are not paying rent, despite rent reductions by the government. Tourism & Taxes: Tourism Goods and Services Tax revenue is down 1.4% year-on-year. Industry leaders are seeking broader consultation on tax and foreign-exchange rules; reports of a delay to the 17% tax on overseas travel firms remain unconfirmed by authorities. Public Accountability: An MDP lawmaker alleged some families earn MVR 2 million through political appointments, calling for scrutiny in debate on a criminal asset recovery bill. The government has dismissed the Parole Board after a drug convict’s release was found unlawful. India Ties: India says 765 Maldivians have completed ITEC training in five years, including staff from public agencies, police and the Elections Commission.

Public Housing: HDC says only about half of tenants in more than 12,000 Hulhumalé housing units are paying rent, renewing scrutiny of arrears and the management of social housing. Political Appointments: Opposition MP Ibrahim Nazil alleged some families earn nearly MVR 2 million from government posts and urged lawmakers to consider the issue as they review a criminal asset recovery bill. Justice and Oversight: The government has dismissed all Parole Board members after alleged drug kingpin Abdulla Ibrahim was released before meeting the legal threshold; he has been returned to prison. Asset Recovery: A bill before Parliament would allow the state to forfeit assets linked to specified crimes, including in some cases before conviction. Tourism Finances: TGST revenue is 1.4% lower than a year ago, while the government’s overall revenue has risen; UK travel bodies are still seeking formal confirmation that the 17% tax on overseas travel firms has been delayed.

Parliament & Governance: Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla told the IPU in Tanzania that good governance means listening to citizens, monitoring policy delivery, protecting public resources and using digital systems like eFaas to bring services closer to people. Justice & Corrections: The government dismissed all Parole Board members after alleged unlawful parole release of Addu drug kingpin Abucha, and authorities reimprisoned him. Prisons Reform: Draft amendments to the Prisons and Parole Act would let the Commissioner of Prisons transfer inmates to community service after court sentencing, alongside moves to strengthen parole rules. Tourism Policy Talks: Senior ministers met tourism leaders over tax and foreign-currency conversion concerns, aiming to hit 2027 arrival targets and agree on next steps with industry. Energy Diplomacy: Maldives and UAE discussed energy projects including grid modernization, battery storage, water production and renewables to cut diesel dependence. Foreign Service Oversight: MPs submitted questions on staffing and appointments in the Foreign Service and on arrangements tied to resident visa services. Digital Payments: Ooredoo said PayPal-linked mFaisaa use has topped 5,000 customers, expanding international payment access.

Energy & Utilities: Maldives and the UAE held talks on implementing energy projects, including modernising the electricity grid, smart systems, battery storage, water production for 40 islands, and expanding renewables. Justice & Crime: Addu drug kingpin Abucha was reimprisoned after being released on parole, despite having served only about five years of a life sentence. Anti-Corruption & Assets: The government submitted a bill for automatic forfeiture of criminal assets, allowing seizure even before conviction in defined cases. Parliament & Governance: MPs asked the Foreign Minister for details on staffing and appointments in the Foreign Service, and sought clarification on arrangements tied to resident visas. Tourism Policy: Senior officials met tourism leaders over tax and foreign-currency conversion concerns, aiming to boost arrivals and meet 2027 targets. Public Safety: Greater Male’ transport and police discussed traffic safety measures after accident and death toll concerns, with Hulhumale’ highlighted as a hotspot. Education: The Education Minister marked Teachers’ Day by stressing safer schools and mental health support for teachers and students. International Security: Former President Mohamed Nasheed said small states like the Maldives “need India” for safety and security in the Indian Ocean.

Rasmale’/Eagle Hills Fallout: MDP has moved an emergency motion in Parliament demanding full disclosure of the government’s Sept. 21 Eagle Hills deal, alleging irrecoverable state losses and corruption risks after public land reclamation and 99-year grants; Legal/Policy Response: Attorney General Ahmed Usham says a new real estate law being drafted is not project-specific, aiming to create a real estate industry separate from tourism; Tourism Policy: Maldives has reportedly postponed the 17% TGST on foreign travel agencies and offshore booking platforms until April 1, 2027 after industry lobbying; Governance & Accountability: ACC has sought money-laundering charges against Montilion International over the MMPRC scandal, including alleged MMPRC funds routed via cheques tied to SOF Private Limited; Foreign Service Staffing: Parliament has asked the Foreign Minister for details on staffing numbers and why outsiders were appointed to roles previously held by career diplomats; Public Safety: Greater Male’ Transport and Mobility Office and Police met to tackle Male’ traffic problems, citing accident concentration in Hulhumale’; Education: Education Minister said schools are being made safer and happier with stronger mental health support for teachers and students, while President pledged priority to teachers’ wellbeing.

Teachers’ Day Focus: President Muizzu and Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu pledged to ease pressure on teachers by prioritising health and wellbeing, safer schools, and stronger mental health support for teachers and students. Traffic & Safety: The Greater Male’ Transport and Mobility Office and Police discussed solutions to rising road accidents, with Hulhumalé flagged as the hotspot. Rasmale’ / Eagle Hills: MDP MPs moved an emergency motion demanding disclosure of the government’s Eagle Hills deal under Rasmale’, while AG Ahmed Usham said a new real estate law is not being drafted for any single project. Tourism Tax Back-and-Forth: Maldives appears to have delayed the 17% TGST for foreign travel agents and booking platforms until April 1, 2027, after industry lobbying. Renewables Push: Government began a nationwide survey for solar PV sites to help reach 33% renewable electricity by end-2028. Climate Diplomacy: Only two non-Pacific leaders (including the Maldives) are confirmed for Fiji’s pre-COP meeting, highlighting limited global attention on Pacific climate concerns. Migrant Worker Protection: Sri Lanka’s Voice of Migrants and MTUC signed an MoU to improve information access and grievance support for Sri Lankan workers in the Maldives.

Overseas Jobs: Maldives-linked labour news is indirect but still relevant as overseas employment clearances in Bangladesh fell 29% YoY in September, with Gulf and Malaysia restrictions continuing to squeeze recruitment. Public Safety & Defence: Defence Minister Hassan Rasheed said the military is preparing to deploy drones to help fight fires in high-rise buildings, while also stressing MNDF readiness against any threat. Traffic & Policing: Police warned of tougher action against repeat dangerous driving, and also announced the closure of Ameenee Magu (Segment Two) for repairs. Politics: The ruling MDP passed major internal constitution changes, including barring the party chairman from contesting internal elections or campaigning, and reshaping leadership rules. Tourism Tax: MATATO welcomed President Muizzu’s decision to revise the TGST destination-principle framework after industry concerns. Human Rights Appointment: President Muizzu appointed Shamoon Hameed to the HRCM. International Security: Two Maldivians working for Flydubai were detained in the UAE over an attempted attack on a flight. Crime & Courts: A man was jailed for 50 years for drug trafficking after drugs were found taped to his body at Velana International Airport. Infrastructure & Diplomacy: China’s ambassador said Malé/Vilimalé road upgrades and a 100-bed Friendship Hospital are expected to start late 2026 or early 2027 under Chinese grants.

Tourism Tax Shake-Up: MATATO welcomed President Muizzu’s decision to revise the TGST “destination principle” framework after European travel agents raised concerns over the Eighth Amendment’s rollout, with the Tourism Minister saying urgent changes are coming soon. Roads & Traffic: Police announced Ameenee Magu Segment Two will be closed for repairs, with restrictions on vehicle entry and parking around Maafannu Stadium and Izzuddin Magu. MDP Internal Rules: The ruling MDP amended its constitution at its congress, barring the party chairman and deputy chairman from contesting internal elections or campaigning, and tightening rules for office employees. Public Safety Push: Police warned of firm action against repeat dangerous drivers, including profiling, criminal investigation for continued violations, and 30-day vehicle seizure. Judicial/Business Debate: Former President Abdulla Yameen renewed calls for mercantile courts to speed up major commercial disputes and protect investment. Governance Appointments: President Muizzu appointed Shamoon Hameed to the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM). Diplomacy & China: China’s ambassador rejected claims the Maldives is anyone’s “backyard,” reaffirming support for sovereignty while highlighting grant-funded infrastructure plans. Tourism Numbers: September arrivals reached 150,764, a slight 0.2% dip year-on-year.

TGST & Tourism Policy: Tourism Minister Mohamed Ameen says President Muizzu will introduce urgent changes to the Tourism Goods and Services Tax Act, responding to industry calls to delay the Eighth Amendment that extends GST to foreign travel agents, with adjustments based on the destination-principle model. Urban Transport: Police ordered the closure of Ameenee Magu (Stadium area to Izzuddin Magu) for Segment Two repairs, with vehicle restrictions and removal instructions ahead of the works. Business & Courts: Former President Abdulla Yameen urged creation of specialised mercantile courts to protect local businesses and investment disputes, arguing cases could be resolved quickly with judges insulated from influence. Party Politics: The MDP congress passed major constitutional amendments limiting the party chairman’s role in internal elections and campaigning, while also reshaping leadership posts. Road Safety: Police launched an operation targeting repeat reckless drivers, warning of criminal investigation and vehicle seizure for dangerous driving. Security & Justice: Two Maldivians were detained in the UAE over a Flydubai flight attack attempt; separately, a man received a 50-year jail sentence for drug trafficking. Tourism Numbers: September arrivals reached 150,764, a slight 0.2% dip year-on-year, with China still the top source market. Environment & Biodiversity: MoCCEE signed UNDP letters of agreement to set up a sustainable financing mechanism for biodiversity protection, funded by the GEF.

Tourism & Hospitality: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa announced a six-MICHELIN-chef “Masters of Food & Wine Series” running Oct 2026–Apr 2027, with each chapter tied to seasonal moments and local ingredients. Tourism Numbers: Maldives recorded 150,764 tourist arrivals in September, down 0.2% year-on-year; China remains the top source market. Political & Governance: MDP chair Mohamed Nasheed said real business opportunities are across the islands, not just Malé, as he opened the party’s “Rashveshi Tharaqqee” investment forum. Housing & Compliance: Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation is investigating 16 cases of unauthorized subletting and flagged 564 units for rent non-payment. Climate Diplomacy: World powers are meeting in Fiji for pre-COP31 talks, with Pacific leaders pushing for 1.5°C, stronger climate finance, and urgent ocean-focused action. Environment Funding: Maldives signed UNDP letters of agreement to develop a biodiversity financing plan under a GEF-backed initiative. Education Inclusion: President Muizzu said he will personally look into a down syndrome child reportedly rejected by five schools.

MDP Congress Politics: Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) leaders opened their congress with major constitutional plans, including abolishing the party’s president and vice-president posts and shifting top authority to the chairman, with debate and a vote expected Saturday; MDP chair Mohamed Nasheed also warned the government has “no financial direction,” citing abrupt policy changes and GST moves. Port Relocation & Cost of Living: President Muizzu inspected the Malé commercial port relocation to K. Thilafushi, a USD 250m project aimed at easing congestion; Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed says Thilafushi operations could start from Oct 28 and cut unloading delays from 7–14 days to about one day, helping keep food fresher and cheaper. Housing Enforcement: Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation is investigating 16 unauthorized subletting cases in Hulhumalé Phase 2 and says 564 units are behind on rent, with additional probes into illegal modifications. Tourism Numbers & Systems: September arrivals hit 150,764 (down 0.2% y/y), while MIRA launched the Maldives Guest Information System (MGIS) to centralize guest data reporting for smaller tourism operators. Social Inclusion: President Muizzu personally intervened after a child with down syndrome was reportedly rejected by five schools. Environment Finance: MoCCEE signed UNDP letters of agreement for a GEF-funded biodiversity financing plan, including updates to the national biodiversity strategy and action plan.

Port Relocation & Cost of Living: Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed says moving Malé’s commercial port to Thilafushi will cut living costs by speeding cargo clearance from 7–14 days to about one day, with Thilafushi operations starting as early as Oct 28 and a planned Nov 11 2027 inauguration. Inclusive Education: President Muizzu personally intervened after a child with down syndrome was reportedly rejected by five schools, urging stronger support for special-needs learners. Zakat al-Mal Update: Maldives Zakat House reports Zakat al-Mal collections of MVR 109.6m Jan–Sep 2026, already surpassing last year’s full total. MDP Congress Power Shift: At the MDP Congress, the party proposes constitutional changes to abolish its president and vice-president posts, elevate the chairman’s authority, and restructure internal leadership. Tourism Tax & Data Systems: MIRA begins GST on offshore booking platforms and foreign tour operators, while launching the Maldives Guest Information System (MGIS) to streamline tourist reporting. Environment & Biodiversity Finance: MoCCEE signed UNDP agreements to build a sustainable biodiversity financing mechanism, including updates to the national biodiversity strategy and action plan. Governance & Spending: State expenditure rose 24.3% by Sept 24, with subsidy spending up sharply.

MDP Congress Power Shift: The main opposition MDP is set to debate sweeping constitutional changes that would make the party chairman the top authority, abolish the party president and vice-president posts, and bar the chairman from holding any state-paid role—aimed at tightening internal election fairness. Port & Productivity Push: President Muizzu says relocating Male’ commercial port to Thilafushi is the government’s key productivity project, with a USD 250m, four-times-larger port planned to start operations by Nov 11 next year. Economic Direction Criticised: MDP leader Mohamed Nasheed warns the interim government lacks a clear financial direction, citing shifting tourism exchange and GST moves. Tax & Tourism Compliance: MIRA begins applying GST to offshore booking platforms and foreign tour operators, drawing pushback from travel associations over consultation and enforceability. Digital Reporting for Tourism: MIRA launches the Maldives Guest Information System (MGIS), requiring larger tourism businesses to report from November and others from January, linking data to state institutions. State Finance & SOEs: Muizzu establishes National Exchange Limited to back a government-supported secondary securities market and Islamic finance growth; meanwhile, state expenditure is up 24.3% year-on-year. Justice & Public Order: An interim imam in Vandhoo is remanded for seven days over alleged sorcery, and the Magistrate Courts Regulation comes into effect. Environment Watch: ERA warns of fines for catching or trading protected migratory birds during the northeast monsoon.

State Finance & Markets: President Muizzu established National Exchange Limited via Presidential Decree No. 16/2026 to run a government-backed secondary securities market and support Islamic finance, including post-trade clearing and settlement. Youth & National Service: The National Service Programme marked its first anniversary with 1,028 youths completing initial training and 136 finishing skills training, with plans for an internship component. Tourism Data Reporting: MIRA launched the Maldives Guest Information System (MGIS), requiring resorts/hotels/guesthouses over 50 beds to report from November and other Green Tax entities from January, cutting manual submissions and aligning Tourism reporting. Environment Enforcement: ERA warned it will fine people who catch, keep or trade protected migratory birds during the northeast monsoon, urging immediate release and reporting of poaching. Governance & SOEs: An MP asked Majlis to investigate a company formed by three SOEs for the Maldives Port Development Private Limited, raising questions on approvals and public oversight. Legal Cooperation: The Maldives and Russia signed an MoU between their Prosecutor General offices to strengthen cooperation against transnational crime. Courts Administration: The Magistrate Courts Regulation came into effect, standardising case procedures and introducing registrars. International Relations: Muizzu reaffirmed Maldives-China ties with Xi Jinping on China’s 77th founding anniversary. Labour Policy (Regional): Sri Lanka signed a six-year ILO labour programme focused on jobs, worker protection and social protection—implementation will be the test. Maritime Security: MNDF seized a foreign fishing vessel for illegal fishing in the Maldives EEZ, the second such case this month.

Ras Malé/Rasmale’ Deal: Opposition PNF demands full disclosure of documents and key terms behind the Eagle Hills Waterfront and Marina agreement, while former President Nasheed urges a legal framework and parliamentary review, as the government says the project will generate about USD 1.1bn annually and total USD 11bn in state revenue over 10 years. Tourism Tax Fight: Industry groups warn the government’s extension of a 17% tourism GST to overseas travel firms’ margins from Oct 1 risks making islands commercially unviable, urging clearer guidance and consultation. Maritime Security: MNDF seized a foreign fishing vessel illegally operating in the Maldives EEZ near Thuraakunu—its second such case this month. Public Services: Health Minister Geela Ali says a mobile blood donation service is set to launch soon, and the 24/7 mental health helpline has logged 23,679 calls since 2024. Infrastructure & Ports: Ameenee Magu’s redeveloped segment will reopen Sunday; Maldives Ports Limited says domestic port works at Thilafushi should be completed by early October. Justice & Safety: Police arrested a Vandhoo temporary mullah over alleged sorcery; a Bangladeshi group accused of smuggling MVR 3.86m in foreign currency hidden in cereal packets gets a 30-day remand extension. Diplomacy: Egypt secured the release of doctor Peter Semaan Marzouk detained in the Maldives after a bomb-joke incident.

Tourism Tax Clash: Industry groups say lobbying failed to delay the Maldives’ new 17% tourism GST extension to overseas travel firms’ margins from Oct 1, warning it could hurt UK trade and push for clearer consultation. Ras Malé Legal Fight: Former President Nasheed urges a legal framework and prompt Majlis submission for the USD 20b Eagle Hills waterfront and marina, while the AG says the project will be governed under a new Real Estate Act. Health Services Upgrade: Health Minister Geela Ali says a mobile blood donation service is being prepared to make donating easier, and the national mental health helpline has logged 23,679 calls since 2024. Public Works: Ameenee Magu’s redeveloped segment is set to reopen this Sunday, with further sections still awaiting dates. Justice & Safety: The Criminal Court extended remand for Bangladeshi workers caught with MVR 3.86m hidden in cereal, and police amended rules to fund medical treatment for police families after on-duty deaths. Foreign Affairs: The Foreign Ministry secured the release of an Egyptian doctor detained in the Maldives after a bomb-joke incident. Transport & Ports: Work on the Thilafushi domestic port area is expected to be completed by early October, supporting the commercial port relocation.