Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 154

President Dr Muizzu announces stringent measures to ban vaping

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the Administration is taking concrete steps toward banning vaping.

In a post on his official X account, President Dr Muizzu stated that he has instructed the relevant authorities to initiate the necessary actions to prohibit the import of vaporiser devices, accessories, and parts starting from November 15, 2024.

Additionally, from December 15, 2024, the ban will include the possession, use, manufacturing, sale, promotion, and free distribution of vaporizer devices throughout the country.

 SOURCE : The President’s Office

Foreign Minister Dr. Khaleel sends National Day greetings to the Foreign Minister of Spain 

 The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel has sent a message of felicitations to José Manuel Albares Bueno, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain, on the occasion of the Spanish National Day. 

In his message, the minster expressed confidence that the camaraderie and close relations between Spain and the Maldives will continue to prosper and progress in the years ahead. 

This year marks 45 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Maldives and Spain. 

 SOURCE : Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The 57th Session of the Human Rights Council concludes 

The 57th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council concluded in Geneva on Friday. 

The Human Rights Council adopted 37 resolutions, with the Maldives co-sponsoring 16 resolutions. These include resolutions on the Promotion, Protection and Enjoyment of Human Rights on the Internet, Promoting Accessibility for the Full Enjoyment of Human Rights by All, Biodiversity and Human Rights, Role of Good Governance in the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, Local Government and Human Rights, and the Human Rights to Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation, among others. The Maldives also delivered national statements on an array of thematic areas. 

The Maldives co-sponsored 50 joint statements delivered during this session. This included statements by the Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), among others. The Maldives, on behalf of the group of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), delivered a statement during the Interactive Dialogue on the Secretary-General’s Report on Climate Change, reaffirming the commitment of SIDS to work collectively for a just and equitable future for all. Further, Maldives demonstrated its strong commitment to the Palestinian cause by co-sponsoring joint statements calling for a ceasefire in Palestine, and accountability and safety for Palestinians. The Maldives also co-sponsored a joint statement strongly condemning Israel’s continuous campaign to delegitimise and criminalise United Nations Relief and Workers Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). 

The Maldives delegation for the 57th Session of the Human Rights Council was led by the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Maldives to the United Nations Office at Geneva, Ambassador Dr. Salma Rasheed. The delegation also included Counsellor, Adam Hamid, Counsellor, Uza. Aminath Shifaya Ibrahim, Second Secretary, Maryam Fathika Fayaz, Third Secretary, Aminath Shadha Ibrahim, and Attaché, Raaidh Saeedh, from the Permanent Mission of the Maldives to the United Nations Office at Geneva. 

SOURCE : Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Government to increase taxes in three areas, including TGST 

The government has announced plans to increase tax rates in three areas, including the Tourism Goods and Services Tax (TGST). The proposed tax changes have been submitted to parliament as amendments to the Value Added Tax Act, the Maldives Tourism Act, and the Maldives Airport Tax and Fees Act. 

Under the new measures, green tax for tourism service providers and guesthouses with fewer than 50 rooms will increase from USD 3 to USD 6 per tourist. For resorts, the tax will rise from USD 6 to USD 12 per tourist, effective January 1 of next year. Notably, children under the age of 2 will be exempt from this tax. 

If endorsed, the16% to 17% hike in TGST is projected to generate an additional USD 13.2 million for the state. 

The proposed amendments will see a hike in airport development tax and fees specifically for foreign travellers. The previous fee for economy class travellers will rise to USD 50 from USD 30, while business class fares will increase from USD 50 to USD 120. First-class fares will increase from USD 90 to USD 240, and fees for private jets will jump from USD 120 to USD 480. 

These changes are part of the government’s fiscal reform agenda, with the Ministry of Finance forecasting an overall revenue increase of USD 169 million. 

SOURCE : PSM 

Foreign Minister Dr. Khaleel sends Independence Day greetings to the Foreign Minister of Equatorial Guinea 

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel has sent a message of felicitations to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Simeón Oyono Esono Angue, on the occasion of the Independence Day of Equatorial Guinea. 

In his message the Minister noted that this is the sixth year since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Equatorial Guinea and expressed eagerness to work closely in deepening friendship and broadening cooperation in areas of mutual interest. 

SOURCE : Ministry of Foreign Affairs

MIRA publicly names 170 TGST and green tax defaulters 

The Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) has publicly named 170 individuals in the tourism sector who have failed to pay tourism goods and services tax (TGST) and green tax obligations through the second quarter of this year. This list includes those who owe more than USD 6,514 in TGST and green tax. 

Published on Thursday, the naming tax defaulters comes under regulations requiring disclosure of individuals and companies that do not file tax returns or settle their tax dues. Notably, the list features various businesses, including well-known guesthouses and tourism shops. 

MIRA stated that the names were made public after the defaulters were given numerous chances such as reminders, notices, and additional deadlines to encourage compliance. 

Furthermore, the authority has offered defaulters the option to enter into instalment payment agreements if they cannot afford to pay in full. It assured that no further enforcement actions would be taken as long as these agreements are honoured. 

Over the past three months, MIRA has sent out 44,390 SMS messages, made 22,761 phone calls, and issued 30,550 notices to taxpayers. Additionally, 397 individuals have been granted instalment payment options to assist with fulfilling their tax obligations. 

WDC by-elections for three islands scheduled for December 

The Election Commission of Maldives (ECM) has announced that by-elections for the Women’s Development Committees in three islands will take place in December. Voting is set for Saturday, December 14, from 0800 hrs to 1600 hrs. 

These by-elections aim to fill three vacant seats on Kurinbi, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Women’s Development Committee, three vacant seats on the Dhehvadhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Women’s Development Committee, and two vacant seats on the Raiymandhoo, Meemu Atoll, Women’s Development Committee. 

Candidates interested in contesting these seats can submit their nominations until Tuesday, October 29, at 1400 hrs. Vote counting will commence 30 minutes after polls close, with official results expected to be announced shortly thereafter in December 16. 

Additionally, the Election Commission has opened a window for submitting complaints related to the by-elections. Complaints can be filed using the designated “Complaint Form” provided by the Commission. 

In accordance with the 2022 amendment to the Decentralization of Administrative Areas Act, by-elections for Women’s Development Committee members can only be held once a year. 

SOURCE : PSM 

Government initiates efforts to launch comprehensive masterplan against thalassemia 

The government has announced plans to launch a comprehensive national masterplan, aiming to reduce the number of thalassemia cases. 

Efforts to combat thalassemia in the Maldives began in1994 with the establishment of the National Thalassemia Center. However, the lack of significant infrastructural development or enhancement of services at the centre over the past 30 years have raised concerns among thalassemia patients and their respective families. Despite the Thalassaemia Control Act being ratified in 2012, questions have been raised about its implementation. 

The Thalassemia Control Act emphasises the need for increased public awareness to curb the spread of thalassemia and the establishment of a sustainable treatment system for patients. The establishment is required to operate nationally under the umbrella of the Ministry of Health. Establishment of a special fund to support and enhance thalassemia prevention efforts is also required under the act. The law also mandates the provision of family planning and counselling for thalassemia carriers, with the goal of reducing the birth rate of children born with the condition. 

Since 2015, thalassemia patients have been provided the opportunity to undergo bone marrow transplants with assistance from the Zakat Fund, a programme which the government intends to continue on an annual basis. Currently, there are 944 registered thalassemia patients in the Maldives. 

Additionally, the government has allocated 17,000 square feet of land for the construction of a Thalassemia Hospital in Hulhumale’ Phase II. The hospital has been planned with 38 inpatient beds, 62 outpatient beds, and 20 private rooms. The facility will be equipped with Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and private surgical theatres, along with a dedicated department for bone marrow treatment. 

SOURCE : PSM 

Government to complete installation of temporary drainage systems by month-end 

Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure has revealed plans to complete installation of temporary drainage systems in the roads of Male’ City, by the end of this month. The government decided to install temporary drainage systems in six locations in Male’ City, aiming to address the issue of surface water flooding. 

Temporary drainage systems have already been utilised in three areas that are particularly vulnerable to flooding during the rainy season. 

Near the flood-prone Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), West Park and the Villingili Ferry Terminal the temporary drainage systems showed a positive impact. 

Minister of State for Construction and Infrastructure, Ibrahim Nazeem unveiled plans to install a system near the TV Building, Ameenee Magu and near Artificial Beach. He revealed the government’s overarching goal of completing the installation of all systems before the end of October. 

As part of combating surface water flooding, all pumps in the existing drainage systems have been upgraded. He also revealed plans to upgrade14 pumps within the drainage system. 

Male’ City’s roads were constructed many years ago and are flood-prone during the rainy season, causing water damage to some households. While drainage system have been installed to address the issue, a permanent solution to the flooding issues in Male’ is in the pipeline. 

SOURCE : PSM