Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 167

The President appoints High Commissioner and Ambassador to India and Saudi Arabia

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has appointed a High Commissioner to India and an Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Today, the president appointed Aishath Azeema as the High Commissioner of the Republic of Maldives to the Republic of India and Ahmed Sareer as the Ambassador of the Republic of Maldives to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

Maldives and China enter an agreement to export fish products

Maldives and China have entered an agreement to export local fish products. The agreement was signed by Wu Haiping, the Vice Minister of the General Administration of Customs of the Peoples Republic of China (GACC), and Ismail Zahir, the Deputy Minister of Health.

After signing the agreement, Deputy Minister Zahir stated that the agreement would facilitate many conveniences for local businesses. Meanwhile, Ambassador of China to the Maldives Wang Lixin highlighted that the agreement will provide mutual benefits while paving the path for Chinese companies to access seafood from the Maldives easily.

Seafood products exported to China must meet certain requirements. Hence, the health ministry notes that the agreement will assist in ensuring that the seafood products exported to China align with the necessary requirements.

The government aims to increase the benefits obtained from ocean resources. As such, it is currently preparing to implement the free trade agreement with China, effective next year onwards. According to the government, Maldives and China engage in trade activities worth USD 700 million. It anticipates that this amount will be projected to USD 1 billion following the implementation of the free trade agreement.

SOURCE : PSM

Foreign Minister Dr Khaleel sends Republic Day greetings to the Foreign Minister of Türkiye

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Dr Abdulla Khaleel, sends a message of felicitations to Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, on the 101st Anniversary of the Türkiye Republic Day.

The minister’s message reads as follows:

“It gives me immense pleasure to extend heartfelt greetings and best wishes of the Government and people of Maldives, and those of my own, to Your Excellency, the Government, and the people of the Republic of Türkiye, on the joyous occasion of the 101st Anniversary of Türkiye Republic Day.

The Maldives and Türkiye have a longstanding relationship based on trust and mutual respect that surpasses 45 years of diplomatic relations. Despite our geographic distance, I am confident of our flourishing ties and remain assured that our collaboration will continue to prosper in the years ahead.

Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your good health and well-being, and for further progress of the people of the Republic of Türkiye and the assurances of my highest considerations.”

SOURCE : Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Minister Haidar assures official registration and impartial process

Minister of Housing, Land, and Urban Development Ali Haidar has assured that beneficiaries of the ‘Binveriya Scheme’ will have their land plots officially registered, with the registration process expected to be completed within the next few months. He made this statement during an interview with PSM News regarding the progress of the ongoing lottery for land allocation from Gulhifalhu.

Minister Haidar asserted that the land allocation process is being conducted impartially and free from external influence. He stated that the registration process will conclude within a few months, and the land will be officially handed over after completing the Thilamale’ Bridge. He also clarified that, per regulations, registration cannot be issued for dredged land; however, a document will be provided to the beneficiaries.

Minister Haidar further noted that the land use plan developed by the previous administration for the development of Gulhifalhu was inadequate. However, he emphasised that the current land use plan has been designed to create a comfortable environment for residents. He indicated that the new plan includes social, economic, and recreational provisions.

A total of 3,520 plots of varying sizes have been allocated from Gulhifalhu. The Hiyavahi portal will provide detailed information regarding the land use plan and the acquired areas.

The previous land use plan lacked a stipulated distance of 100 feet between industrial and residential zones. It was also far from residential areas where essential public services were provided. Furthermore, there were insufficient sports facilities and parks, with only 8 per cent designated green space.

In contrast, the current land use plan formulated by the Ministry of Housing allocates 21 per cent of the land for parks and green spaces. Residential areas and schools are designed to be within a 10-minute walk, while mosques are just a 5-minute walk away. The new plan also designates 70,000 parking spaces throughout the area to accommodate vehicles.

SOURCE : PSM

Statistics Bureau commences initiative on information collection about the job market

The Maldives Bureau of Statistics has commenced an initiative to collect information pertaining to the job market. As such, it has begun conducting the Labour Force Survey for randomly selected households within the Greater Male’ Region. It noted that arrangements have been made so that the meetings with households can be held conveniently.

According to the Maldives Bureau of Statistics, the Labour Force Survey is a national research effort that collects vital information about the job market. This initiative is expected to help identify the proportions of the working population, unemployed individuals, and other critical labour market indicators.

The survey will collect information on individuals, including general details, migration status, educational background, occupations, and aspects related to income-generating activities. Additionally, households will be asked to provide income and non-income work data, time management for household tasks, and volunteer activities.

The Labour Force Survey is conducted under the authority of the Maldives Statistics Act, ensuring that the information gathered from households remains confidential. Should a relevant government body request this information, the public is obliged to provide accurate details in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

SOURCE : PSM

Air Arabia launches daily flights to Maldives, offering seamless travel

Air Arabia, the leading low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, has launched daily non-stop flights from Sharjah International Airport to Velana International Airport in Malé, Maldives. 

This strategic route enhances travel options for passengers from key markets across the Middle East, Europe, North Africa, and Asia, making the Maldives more accessible. Air Arabia’s modern Airbus A320 aircraft fleet is renowned for its spacious seating and comfortable legroom, providing a relaxing journey for passengers. 

The airline’s user-friendly booking system, customisable services, and pre-ordered dining options provide flexibility and convenience. Passengers can enjoy SkyTime, Air Arabia’s free in-flight streaming service, and AirRewards, the airline’s loyalty program, which allows passengers to earn and redeem points.

The launch offers expanded opportunities for global travel agents and industry partners to promote the Maldives as a premier destination. Lets Go Maldives, a leading B2B travel agent and Destination Management Company in the Maldives, sees this new route as an opportunity to strengthen collaborations with industry partners and offer tailored packages and aviation services. 

This partnership with Air Arabia supports the Maldives’ vision to strengthen its position as the world’s leading destination. The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) actively promotes the Maldives’ accessibility and world-class offerings.

SOURCE : PSM

Kooddoo Airport resumes operations after renovations

The national airline, Maldivian, has resumed scheduled flights to Kooddoo Airport after it commences operation following renovations to the runway.

Due to the airport’s prolonged lack of development, Maldivian suspended flights to Kooddoo of Gaafu Alif Atoll in early September. Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen noted that two Maldivian aircraft, which served this route, were damaged and grounded because of the runway’s condition. He also mentioned that collaborative efforts are ongoing with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), air operators, and other relevant authorities to address these challenges.

Following the runway renovations, Maldivian will operate two daily flights to Kooddoo Airport. The airport, inaugurated in 2012, underwent previous renovations in 2017 to accommodate larger aircraft and jets.

SOURCE : PSM