Maldives News Bulletin Volume 103

Date: July 31, 2024 | Volume: 103

The President appoints Ahmed Munawar as the Governor of the Maldives Monetary Authority

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has appointed Ahmed Munawar as the Governor of the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA). The appointment was made under the authority granted to the President in accordance with Section 6(3) of the Maldives Monetary Authority Act 1981 (Act No. 6/81). The ceremony to present the letter of appointment was held at the President’s Office this morning. Following the presentation, the President and the newly appointed Governor of the Maldives Monetary Authority held a meeting to discuss the country’s economic situation. The President encouraged the Governor to work closely with other financial institutions. At the meeting, Ahmed Munawar expressed his complete support for the Government’s efforts to stimulate the country’s economy. Ahmed Munawar served as an advisor to the Minister of Finance from December 12, 2023, until July 22, 2024. He has previously served as Minister of Finance.

Japan provides a Grant Aid of 161 million Japanese Yen to the Maldives to the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship

The Government of Maldives and the Government of Japan signs the Exchange of Notes to provide a grant aid of 161 million Japanese Yen (approximately 1.02 Million USD) to the Maldives for the continuation of scholarships opportunities to be offered by the Government of Japan for the fiscal year 2024, under the Japanese Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS). The Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer and the Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives Ms. Takeuchi Midori signed the Exchange of Notes today, at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The grant will provide 6 scholarships again this year to the Maldivian students, a project which was implemented in August 2020, by the Government of Japan for further promoting the Human Resource Development in the Maldives. The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development Dr. Maryam Mariya and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, Ministry of Finance, Civil Service Commission, the Embassy of Japan, and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The Vice President attends the inauguration of the President of Iran as the President’s special envoy

His Excellency Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef attended the inauguration ceremony of the President-elect of Iran, His Excellency Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, as the Special Envoy of His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Republic of the Maldives. The event was held at the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Islamic Parliament) in Tehran. Following the swearing-in ceremony, Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef participated in a photograph with President Masoud Pezeshkian and the rest of the dignitaries attending the ceremony.

Maldives High Commissioner to Singapore His Excellency Mohamed Luveiz presented credentials to His Excellency Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore

The High Commissioner of the Republic of Maldives to Singapore, His Excellency Mohamed Luveiz, presented credentials to His Excellency Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore, today at a ceremony held at Istana, the Presidential Palace of Singapore. During the meeting that followed the ceremony, High Commissioner Luveiz conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from the President of the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, to President Shanmugartnam for his good health and happiness, as well as for peace, prosperity and happiness of the people of Singapore.

His Excellency Tharman Shanmugaratnam congratulated the High Commissioner on his appointment and assured him of the full support and cooperation of the Government of the Republic of Singapore in discharging his responsibilities in his capacity as the High Commissioner of the Republic of Maldives to Singapore.

The High Commissioner also conveyed his gratitude to the people and Government of the Republic of Singapore for their support to the Maldives as the two countries continue to strengthen the long-standing friendly relations between both countries.

The High Commissioner was accompanied by his spouse, Ms. Khadheeja Mufliha, as well as Second Secretaries, Mr. Abdulla Aruham and Ms. Jalala Saleem, of the High Commission of Maldives in Singapore.

Gov’t aims putting India among top tourist arrival countries

Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal has revealed the government’s aim of positioning India among the top three tourist arrival countries by year-end.

Aiming to achieve the overarching objective, a roadshow is being held in India, promoting the Maldives as a premier travel destination. The Welcome India roadshow commenced in New Delhi and will continue in Mumbai on August 1, concluding in Bangalore on August 3. The event aims to enhance the reputation of the Maldives as a top vacation spot for Indian travelers through activities across three major cities.

The high-profile event will bring together leading industry stakeholders from both countries, providing a platform to nurture new partnerships, strengthen existing ties, and showcase the unparalleled beauty and diversity of the country. Minister Faisal expressed optimism about the growing influx of Indian tourists, attributing it to the government’s ongoing efforts.

The minister also revealed plans to host more activities in India, advertising the Maldives. He further disclosed that discussions were held with Indian airlines regarding the potential to increase the number of flights to the Maldives. During his visit to India to inaugurate the roadshow, Minister Faisal met with the Minister of Tourism of India Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

Discussions between the two ministers focused on enhancing tourism initiatives and exploring opportunities for mutual benefit between our nations. India was the leading source of tourist arrivals to the Maldives last year and is currently among the top six countries contributing to tourist arrivals. The roadshow intends to capitalize on this growing demand and solidify the position of the Maldives as a top-of-mind destination for Indian travelers.

MMPRC, MATATO, and NHGAM collaborate for “Welcome India” 3-City Roadshow Series in India

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) is excited to announce that we are collaborating with the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) and National Hotels and Guesthouses Association of Maldives (NHGAM) for the “Welcome India’’ roadshow series in India alongside 24 industry partners. The Maldives delegation at the event include Mr Ibrahim Faisal, Minister of Tourism, and Mr Mohamed Khaleel, Advisor to the President on Tourism Development.

As a key business-to-business (B2B) event, this roadshow brings together Industry professionals from the Indian market. This event provides great chances for fortifying bonds with partners, offering excellent collaboration opportunities to strengthen relationships. The 3-day roadshow will help facilitate a platform to engage with our partners in India and strengthen the Maldives’ tourism segments. The goal of this roadshow is to enhance the Maldives’ popularity in India, an essential market for our tourism. Top cities with direct connectivity are included in the itinerary as we target to strengthen the Maldives’ presence in the Indian market.

MMPRC is looking forward to promoting Maldives actively during this roadshow series, prioritising showcasing the unique aspects of the Maldives, such as our pristine beaches, exquisite resorts, guesthouses amongst our rich cultural heritage and vibrant marine life.

In addition to B2B networking and dialogue from collaborating organisations, an exciting raffle giveaway is also planned for each roadshow where the winners selected will win holiday prizes sponsored by Kandima Maldives, Nova Maldives, Arena Hotels, Kaani Hotels, Villa Nautica, Sirru Fen Fushi, Holiday Inn Kandooma and Alila Kothaifaru Maldives.

India is an essential source of outbound tourists and one of the major source markets for the Maldives. As of June 2024, we have welcomed a total of 63,451 arrivals from India market to Maldives- a 6.2% market share out of total tourist arrivals. In order to promote the Maldives in the Indian market, Visit Maldives has completed a number of initiatives, such as the two significant fairs in February 2024, OTM and SATTE 2024. Additionally, renowned Indian model and social media influencer Niki Mehra was hosted in the Maldives during a familiarisation trip in May 2024. Visit Maldives has several plans in the pipeline for the remainder of the year for this market. This includes a campaign with Globalspa - one of the top wellness and lifestyle magazines in India- with a photoshoot with celebrity Malaika Arora scheduled to take place in August this year, as well as joint marketing plans with Cleartrip and Pickyourtrail.

Maldives discusses enhancing cyber defence with US

The Maldives and the United States (US) have held discussions aimed at enhancing the cybersecurity sector. The discussions were held between the Deputy Minister of Defence Fathimath Mizna Ali and the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Bureau of Cyber Space and Digital Policy, Jennifer Bachus, accompanied by Ambassador of US for Maldives, Hugo Yon.

The meeting was focused on the capacity building of Maldives in the cyber defence sector and development of national policies and practices for future enhancement in the field of cyber security. Furthermore, discussions were held on the involvement of women in cyber security, highlighting the necessity to create more opportunities for women in cyber security sector.

BML posts USD 29m net profit in Q2

The Bank of Maldives (BML) has announced a net profit of USD 29 million for the second quarter of 2024. The national bank said that operating profit for the quarter reached USD 45.27 million, reflecting a 3% increase compared to the same period last year. During the first half of the year, BML issued USD 181.58 million in new loans to individuals and businesses. The bank also noted strong business volumes across all major sectors and solid capital ratios well above regulatory requirements. BML said that its total assets were USD 2.9 billion, with deposits amounting to USD 1.9 billion. Operating costs were kept in check despite inflationary pressures, and the provision cover remained robust at 100%. BML also introduced several new initiatives this quarter, including the first Shari’ah-compliant credit card in the Maldives. The bank launched Home Build and Home Equity Loans to meet the growing demand for home construction and renovation. It also established the Bank Fund to support non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in advancing sustainable community projects, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts.

The President sends a message of condolence to the Prime Minister of India following the Wayanad landslides

His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has sent a message of condolence to the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, His Excellency Narendra Modi. The President expressed profound sorrow upon learning of the landslides in Wayanad District, Kerala State, that took the lives of over a hundred and injured many more. He described the extensive loss of lives, livelihoods, and devastation caused by this disaster as an unimaginable tragedy. In his message, the President offered condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of the Maldives. He expressed hope that the search and rescue efforts at the site will be able to operate quickly and successfully. Concluding the message, he also wished fortitude to the victims’ families, their loved ones, and everyone affected, in overcoming the painful consequences of this unfortunate catastrophe.

Council buildings to be constructed on contractor finance basis

Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar has announced that the construction of council buildings will proceed on a contractor finance basis. The decision was made as the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) does not allocate sufficient funds for building council facilities.

Minister Shareef said that PSIP lacks sufficient funds, although the government plans to construct 55 council buildings. As such, he said that the projects cannot be carried out in the most appropriate manner. He, therefore, said that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has decided to move forward with these projects on a contractor finance basis. He said that the goal is to identify the islands where land has been allocated, finalise the drawings for the council buildings, and commence practical work within the year.

Additionally, Minister Adam Shareef said that the government has decided to rebuild the 50 most dilapidated council buildings. He noted that the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure has prepared the designs and shared them with the government of China, with hopes to start construction within this year. He also said that the buildings will be pre-fabricated with assistance from the Chinese government, and work on these 50 island councils will be carried out simultaneously.

Furthermore, Minister Shareef highlighted that the new buildings will be spacious and designed to provide the necessary facilities for the operations of the council. The government also aims to construct 102 dilapidated island council buildings during this term.

Gov’t seeking investors to install solar PV systems in Addu

The Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy is seeking potential investors to establish 10MW solar PV systems in the lagoon of Addu City, with bidding opportunities open until October 29.

The ministry stated that the effort falls under the Accelerating Renewable Energy Integration and Sustainable Energy (ARISE) Project, in collaboration with the World Bank. The project aims to significantly increase the use of renewable energy, install battery storage systems for storing electricity from renewable sources, and modernize utility networks on the islands. As part of the project, the ministry is seeking investors for the construction of 2MW floating solar systems at the S. Maradhoo harbor and S. Hulhumeedhoo harbor, as well as an 8MW system at the S. Hithadhoo port.

The ministry forcasts that they will be able to elect a contractor during the first quarter of 2025. It also stated that practical works for the project will commence during the last quarter of 2025, following the completion of necessary surveys which will be conducted in the area in which the power systems are to be established. Additionally, it revealed that the systems would start providing electricity in the second quarter of 2026. Noting the significance of the project, the ministry projects a reduction of approximately 4.43 million litres of diesel annually. The ministry stated that it will further reduce the state expenditure on imported oil by USD2.3 million per year.

In addition to the ARISE Project, efforts are currently ongoing to install 5MW solar PV systems in the city, under the Accelerating Sustainable Private Investments in Renewable Energy (ASPIRE) Project, which is also funded by the World Bank. Hence, a total of 13MW solar PV systems will be established in the city, under both projects. Both projects will assist in reducing the state expenditure on imported oil by USD3 million per year.

Under the ARISE Project, solar PV systems of 36MW and battery energy storages of 40MW will be established on several islands across the nation. Additionally, the electricity networks of 19 islands will be upgraded and modernized as well.

Gov’t affirms ensuring provision of quality education

Minister for Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development Dr. Maryam Mariya has said that ensuring the provision of quality education through legal means is more crucial than reducing the period required to convert a college into a university. She made the statement while addressing the Parliamentary Committee on National Development and Heritage regarding the Maldives Higher Education Bill.

Speaking to the committee, Minister Mariya stated that the government’s policy aims to facilitate higher education and training while strengthening the administration of higher education. She said that the Higher Education Act would be amended to reduce the cost of studying abroad. The proposed amendment specifies that a college can be granted university status after 15 years of operation in the Maldives.

Additionally, Minister Mariya stressed the importance of maintaining quality when a college or institute transitions to university status within a specified timeframe. Although there is no objection to a college becoming a university within 15 years, she said that the period should focus on providing quality education.

Furthermore, Minister Mariya highlighted that transforming a good institute into a college requires high-quality teaching, strong research programmes, and the presence of educational individuals with Doctor of Philosophy (PhDs). She also underscored the necessity of consulting with universities and colleges to amend the law effectively.

Currently, the law stipulates that only institutions operating as colleges in the Maldives for at least 20 years can be registered as universities. Institutions recognized as universities by the government of a foreign country and operating for 10 years can also gain university status under the act. The proposed amendment seeks to reduce the 20-year requirement to 15 years.

Additionally, the amendment proposes changes to the provision that a university must have adequate facilities to operate according to the criteria set by the higher education ministry. It also outlines the requirements that a college must meet when applying for conversion to a university.

Operation Kurangi launched nationwide

The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has announced that local island councils now have access to the online portal designed to tackle illegal immigration, and data collection on foreigners from all islands in the country has officially begun.

Operation Kurangi is a nationwide initiative to gather data on illegal immigrants in the Maldives. The first phase was conducted in Himmafushi and Maafushi in Kaafu Atoll, and the second phase has now been expanded across the country, with Laamu Atoll being the next area of focus. The ministry’s team is currently working in the atoll.

Deputy Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ashraf Mohamed Ali said that all local island councils have been granted access to the online portal, initiating the process of collecting biometrics of foreigners across the islands. He also highlighted that the issue of illegal foreigners is particularly prominent in Gan and Fonadhoo in Laamu Atoll, noting that it is more prevalent in densely populated areas.

The ministry has provided fingerprint machines to the councils and developed a specialized application to facilitate the identification and regularization of foreigners. The application allows individuals to upload photos of suspected illegal foreigners, providing information about their identity, purpose of visit, and affiliated company.

The government aims to resolve the issue of illegal foreigners within three years. Following data collection through the application, the ministry will begin the regularization process within one year, collaborating with the Maldives Police Service (MPS) and Maldives Immigration to address the issue effectively.

Gov’t stresses importance of legal changes to speed up human trafficking trials

Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan has underscored the need for legal amendments to accelerate the trials of human trafficking cases. Speaking at a ceremony to mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Minister Ihusaan highlighted the injustice of delays in these trials, which he believes leave victims more vulnerable to exploitation.

He stressed that the law must be updated to tackle the challenges in both prosecution and legal processes, ensuring that cases are expedited. He also noted the government’s commitment to improving the speed and effectiveness of investigations and trials. Additionally, Minister Ihusaan described human trafficking as a grave injustice, equating it to modern slavery that strips individuals of their dignity and freedom.

He also pointed out that statistics reveal one in three trafficking victims is a child, and that traffickers often abuse and exploit these young victims. Furthermore, Minister Ihusaan called for enhanced efforts to prevent human trafficking, outlining four key policies the government is implementing. These policies include developing skilled personnel, raising community awareness, creating safe environments for victims, and establishing a crime reporting hotline.

During the ceremony, a new hotline was launched for reporting trafficking crimes. World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed annually on July 30 with this year’s theme being Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking.

Loan Signing for “Small Islands Hospitals Project” between the Government of Maldives and Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development

The Government of the Republic of Maldives and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development has signed Loan Agreement for the project “Small Islands Hospital Project” concerning a total of KWD 3,000,000 (Kuwaiti Dinar Three Million).

The signing ceremony took place on the 29th July 2024 at the Ministry of Finance. The Minister of Finance Honorable Dr. Mohamed Shafeeq signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Maldives, and Honorable Mr. Waleed Al-Bahar, Acting Director General of Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development’s signed on the behalf of the Fund.

The ceremony was attended by Minister of Health Honorable Dr. Abdulla Khaleel and senior officials of Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance and Embassy of the State of Kuwait in Colombo. The project aims to provide necessary health service and enhance efficiency in small Islands located in the north and south of the country.

The project also contributes to reducing the cost of transport among the served islands to obtain necessary health services, decentralize healthcare services to the population of islands and tourists to deliver secondary medical care at the right time.

The development of those hospitals covers civil works, electro-technical works of the hospital’s buildings and services, provision of medical equipment and furniture, engineering services for preparing designs and tender documents and supervision of construction, and project implementation unit.

Kuwait Fund has been an invaluable development partner of the Maldives and has provided generous support and assistance to the Maldives over the years.

The President sends message of felicitations to the President of Islamic Republic of Iran

His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has sent a message extending his felicitations to His Excellency Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, the new President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. In his message, the President conveyed well wishes and felicitations to President Dr Pezeshkian, following his inauguration as the ninth President of Iran. President Muizzu noted that his election win signifies the confidence and faith that the people of Iran have placed in the future of Iran under his able and visionary leadership. The President also conveyed hope to enhance the bilateral relations between the Maldives and Iran. President Muizzu further conveyed personal best wishes for the good health and wellbeing of Iranian President and for peace and progress for the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

ECM proposes allocating at least two parliamentarians per atoll

The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has proposed that the number of parliamentarians should be fixed, with at least two parliamentarians allocated to each atoll. The proposal was made during a session with the Parliamentary Committee on Independent Institutions.

Speaking to the committee, President of ECM Fuad Thaufeeq emphasised that the commission does not seek to determine the exact number of parliamentarians, but rather aims to limit it. He highlighted that various options have been considered, taking into account the geographical structure of the Maldives and the need for adequate representation of its residents. Additionally, Fuad further recommended that each atoll should have a minimum of two members, with additional seats distributed based on population, after setting a fixed number. Meanwhile, Vice President of ECM Ali Nashaath said that the proposed system mirrors that used in the United States (US). He suggested maintaining the number of members at 77, which was the count in the first Parliament under the new constitution in 2008. He also noted that the previous approach of electing one member per 5,000 people was intended to facilitate easy election wins but emphasized the need for a shift in this mindset. The ECM pointed out that the Parliament of the Maldives is among the largest in the world, which is unsustainable. The commission’s proposal is intended as a long-term solution until 2050.