Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 179

Changes to guidelines for submitting legal documents to the Government Gazette

The guidelines for submitting legal documents for publication in the Government Gazette have been updated, as announced in a directive issued by the President’s Office on Sunday.

Effective Sunday, 24 November 2024, all Government Ministries and Institutions must revise their procedures for submitting legal documents to the President’s Office for publication in the Government of Maldives Gazette. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has specified that these documents should now be sent to [email protected].

If amendments are required to submit documents, the revised versions must be addressed to the President’s Office under Directive No. 4/2015. This applies to official documents and letters requiring the President’s signature. Revised documents must include a cover letter signed by the Minister or the official in charge. For state agencies and institutions not under ministry jurisdiction, revised documents should also be sent to the specified email address, accompanied by the responsible official’s signature.

Ministries and their related institutions are further instructed to consult the Attorney General’s Office for legal advice before preparing documents for publication. A record of this consultation and the Attorney General’s advice must be included. Each institution must designate a focal point responsible for this process, providing their name, title, and contact information.

The directive also emphasises the need to review documents for compliance with legal and linguistic standards before submission. Any necessary corrections must be made before publication.

Although the procedures for sending documents to the President’s Office have been updated, the existing guidelines under President’s Office Directive No. 11/2010 (governing the actions of Government offices and agencies) and Directive No. 25/2010 (concerning Government offices) remain unchanged. These directives continue to require that all legal documents be submitted with the advice of the Attorney General’s Office.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

“Airport Economic Zone Tower will be a pride for Maldivians.”

Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has affirmed that the tower being developed in the Airport Economic Zone in Funadhoo, Kaafu Atoll, will be a landmark and a source of pride for Maldivians.

Providing information on this project, Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed highlighted that efforts are underway to relocate the fuel storage in Funadhoo. He assured us that the development of the tower would commence once the relocation was completed. He expressed confidence in the tower as a source of pride for all Maldivians.

In the ceremony to inaugurate the Velana International Airport development project and the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) development, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu pledged to establish an international financial institution in Funadhoo. The government has decided to develop the SEZ, including the financial centre, during the third phase of the VIA airport development project. Minister Saeed revealed that the economic centre will be established next year.

The government prioritises expanding and developing the financial system to ensure more convenient access to financial assistance for businesses. As part of these efforts, the Development Bank of Maldives was established on November 16.

SOURCE : PSM

Maldives tourism sees 9.2% growth as international arrivals soar

The Ministry of Tourism has announced that over 200,000 tourists from Russia have visited the Maldives this year, making it the second-largest source market for tourist arrivals.

According to the latest statistics, Russian tourists account for 11.2% of the total arrivals, with 201,491 visitors recorded. This marks a 6% increase compared to last year’s period, which saw 189,541 Russian arrivals. By December last year, the total figure stood at 209,146, suggesting this year’s numbers may surpass previous records.

China remains the most significant source market for the Maldives, contributing 248,141 tourists so far this year.

The Maldives has entered its peak tourism season, with an increase in airline flights boosting visitor numbers. In addition to Russia and China, arrivals from Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom have also improved compared to last year.

India, which experienced a significant slowdown in arrivals earlier this year, has also seen recovery, with 109,651 Indian tourists visiting the Maldives so far.

Overall, the tourism ministry reports that 1,797,028 tourists have arrived in the Maldives in 2024, a 9.2% increase compared to the 1,646,327 arrivals recorded during the same period last year.

The government aims to attract two million tourists by the end of the year. With 353,673 additional arrivals needed to meet this target, the Maldives currently receives an average of 5,756 tourists daily, keeping the goal within reach by December.

SOURCE : PSM

Gov’t aims to increase fish processing capacity to 9-fold in 3 years

Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has said that the fish processing capacity in the Maldives is set to increase more than nine times over the next three years. The Minister shared this development during an exclusive interview with PSM News.

The government is implementing several initiatives to expand the country’s fish storage and processing capabilities, focusing on increasing fish processing capacity. Minister Shiyam explained that the fish processing capacity will rise from 35 to 300 tonnes within the first three years of the first phase. The expansion will include facilities in the southern atolls, Nilandhoo, and Felivaru, each upgraded to handle 100 tonnes.

The government is also working to ease the challenges faced by fishermen, particularly in accessing fish and obtaining ice. To address this, the establishment of 11 ice plants has already begun, with three set to be operational this year. Saudi Arabia will fund another five, and three additional plants will be included in the national budget.

Additionally, the government is prioritising providing modern facilities to support fishermen. A unique loan facility has been introduced to install Refrigerated Sea Water (RSW) systems on fishing boats, with more than 35 fishermen expected to benefit from these loans this year.

SOURCE : PSM

National ID Card issuance launched in Hulhumale’ and Villimale’

Printing and issuance of national identity cards has been launched in Hulhumale’ and Villimale’.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated a project on 16 November to streamline the process and make it more accessible to citizens nationwide. The initiative aims to provide ID card and passport services, without hassle, directly from residents’ localities.

The ID card printing and issuance services are now operational in three locations: Hulhumale’ Phase 1: Umar Zahir Building, Ground Floor, Hulhumale’ Phase 2: Vinares Tower 2, First Floor and Villimale’: E Block, Ground Floor.

In addition to these new service points, 174 collection centres have been established across various islands to ensure nationwide coverage.

The ID card service was launched online in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, the system was upgraded with the introduction of the DNR online portal, allowing users to request ID cards digitally. Once printed, the cards are distributed to the respective island councils.

The government has set an ambitious target to extend the ID card issuance service to all inhabited islands by next year.

SOURCE : PSM

Road development studies conclude in Male’ and Villimale.’

The Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure has revealed that the assessment of road conditions of Male’ City and Villimale’ has concluded. An expert team appointed by the Chinese government conducted the examinations.

This initiative follows an agreement signed between the governments of China and the Maldives during the official visit of the Maldivian President to China on July 23. The road development in Male and Villimale’ will be funded through grants from the Chinese government. This initiative includes paving city roads and enhancing water and sewerage systems, electrical infrastructure, stormwater management, and fire hydrants.

Following the agreement, the assessments of the road conditions commenced on November 5. The ministry revealed that the expert team appointed by China collaborated with the ministry’s technical team to perform the feasibility study of the roads of both Male City and Villimale’.

The primary objective of this project is to upgrade the deteriorating road conditions to modern standards, which will significantly benefit the citizens. The next phase will be the design stage of the project. The government anticipates completing this significant developmental initiative within three or four years.

SOURCE : PSM

Homegrown hospitality: locals step up to develop new resorts

Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal has announced that the government has allocated 11 islands for resort development. He made the remarks during a programme aired on PSM News.

Speaking on the programme, Minister Faisal highlighted the government’s efforts to expand the tourism sector across the Maldives. He revealed that approximately 25 islands have been opened for tourism development, with award letters issued for 11 of these islands. The minister stated that the investments for these projects amount to approximately USD 385 million, with some awardees having already made payments. He also expressed pride in the fact that most investors are Maldivian.

Although the Maldivian tourism industry has thrived for 53 years, Minister Faisal noted that it has not yet achieved nationwide expansion. To address this, the government is preparing dedicated master plans for each atoll, alongside tailored marketing strategies to promote tourism development in these regions.

“Between 4,000 and 6,000 beds will be added through local tourism and resorts, alongside the development of airports in these areas, creating new employment opportunities for youth,” said the minister.

He also provided updates on key projects, including the ongoing development of Hanimaadhoo International Airport, which is expected to increase the number of tourist beds in the area significantly. Additionally, he noted that tourism promotion efforts are progressing rapidly.

SOURCE : PSM

The Tobacco Control Act was effective 14 years ago, yet lacks regulations 

Attorney General Ahmed Usham has stated that the primary challenge in implementing the Tobacco Control Act, despite its 14-year existence, has been the absence of regulations.

In an interview with PSM News, Attorney General Usham emphasised that amendments to various legislations were necessary, as the previous administration neglected them. He specifically highlighted the Tobacco Control Act, which mandates the creation of regulations to ensure its effective enforcement. However, despite the Act’s implementation since 2010, no regulations have been established over the past 14 years.

Furthermore, Usham described President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s decision to ban vaping devices and smoking as problematic but necessary for the public’s welfare. He explained that the president prioritised making crucial legislative amendments early in his tenure, reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding residents’ rights.

The Tobacco Control Act has been enforced as of November 15, prohibiting the importation of vaping devices and e-cigarettes. Starting December 15, these devices and all tobacco products will also be banned. Efforts are underway to develop the regulations needed for the Act’s full implementation.

SOURCE : PSM

RDC sees significant savings with reforms

Managing Director of Road Development Corporation (RDC) Ali Zuhair has stated that the government’s reform efforts have significantly reduced the corporation’s expenditure, with monthly savings between USD 1.1 million and USD 1.3 million. He made this statement during an exclusive interview with PSM News.

Under the previous administration, the RDC experienced a significant expenditure rise, with spending exceeding revenue. This prompted Zuhair, who assumed leadership, to prioritise addressing the corporation’s financial challenges. He explained that one of his first actions was identifying and implementing strategies to improve the company’s financial health. This reform process, he noted, involved close consultations with both the RDC Board and the Public Corporation Board (PCB).

A central aspect of the reform efforts was reducing operational costs. One key measure introduced was the implementation of fixed pricing for the procurement of goods. Zuhair stated that these actions resulted in significant savings, reducing the corporation’s monthly expenses by USD 1.1 million and USD 1.3 million.

In addition to cost reductions, a control mechanism for managing overtime was implemented to curb expenses further. Furthermore, the RDC officially transitioned to a six-day workweek to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

Zuhair also highlighted that 17 projects halted under the previous government have now been resumed. Ten new projects are currently in progress, marking a significant improvement in the corporation’s development efforts.

SOURCE : PSM