Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 192

President congratulates the King and Crown Prince, and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia on securing the bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has extended his congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and brotherly people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the remarkable achievement of securing the bid to host 2034 FIFA World Cup.

In a post on his official ‘X’ account, the President emphasised that this milestone achievement is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s growing global influence, unwavering determination, commitment, and exemplary leadership in the global arena. He emphasised that it is a proud moment not only for the Kingdom but also for the entire Arab world and the broader Islamic community.

Concluding his message, the President expressed anticipation for a World Cup that will showcase not only athletic excellence but also a celebration of unity, culture, and innovation.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

Foreign Minister Calls on Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs and Special Representative of His Majesty the Sultan

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdulla Khaleel, paid a courtesy call on His Highness Sayyed Asaad bin Tariq Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs and Special Representative of His Majesty the Sultan, as part of his ongoing official visit to Oman.

During the call, Minister Dr Khaleel conveyed warm greetings from His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and the people of the Maldives to the esteemed leadership and people of Oman. His Highness also conveyed greetings from His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said to President Dr Muizzu and the people of the Maldives. The Deputy Prime Minister was accompanied by Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaidi.

His Highness Sayyed Asaad bin Tariq Al-Said welcomed Minister Dr Khaleel and reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations with the Maldives.

Minister Dr Khaleel expressed appreciation for the strong and enduring ties between the Maldives and Oman and conveyed gratitude for Oman’s generous assistance to the Maldives over the years, especially during times of crises.

Minister Dr Khaleel and the Deputy Prime Minister exchanged views on deepening economic cooperation in areas of mutual interest, in particular through investment, trade, tourism and fisheries which will elevate our bilateral partnership to new heights.

Minister Dr Khaleel was accompanied by Dr Hala Hameed, Secretary, Bilateral, Ms Fathimath Naeema, Senior Under Secretary and Mr Mohamed Shujau, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

SOURCE : Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Maldives Revenue Surpasses US$122 Million in November, MIRA Reports 

The state collected USD 122.57 million in November 2024, a 13.2 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023, Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) has reported. 

This significant boost in revenue is attributed to several key factors, according to MIRA. The receipt of Land Acquisition and Conversion Fees, as well as Lease Period Extension Fees, played a major role in this increase, it said. Additionally, increments in Airport Taxes and Fees and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) were observed for the month. 

Tourist arrivals also saw a notable rise, with an 8.5 percent increase in October 2024 compared to October 2023. This surge significantly contributed to the increase in Airport Taxes and Fees, according to the State‘s tax collector. 

The revenue for November 2024 also surpassed the state’s projections by 19.7 per cent. The higher-than-expected revenue was primarily driven by Land Acquisition and Conversion Fees, Lease Period Extension Fees, and increments in the Tourism Goods and Services Tax (TGST), MIRA reported. These one-off payments had a positive impact on overall revenue, leading to a favourable outcome compared to projections, it added. 

GST accounted for the largest portion of the collected revenue, with USD 70.7 million, representing 57.9 per cent of the total. MIRA also collected USD 11.13 million in Land Acquisition and Conversion Fees, USD 6.04 million in Airport Development Fees, and USD 6.02 million in Income Tax. Other sources of income included USD 5.93 million from Departure Tax and USD 5.56 million from Green Tax. 

A significant portion of the income, 88.17 per cent, was paid in U.S. dollars. 

SOURCE : PSM 

Minister Dr. Khaleel meets with the Foreign Minister of Oman 

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdulla Khaleel, met with the Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, today. 

During the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman, the two Ministers reflected on the long-standing bonds of friendship and cooperation between the Maldives and Oman, rooted in the two countries’ common Islamic heritage, values and principles. 

The two ministers engaged in wide-ranging discussions focused on strengthening the existing bilateral partnership between the Maldives and Oman that spans over four decades and explored avenues for enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including trade, tourism, education and investment promotion. The two Ministers also discussed the possibility of convening the first round of political consultations between the Maldives and Oman at a mutually convenient time. 

Minister Dr Khaleel expressed his gratitude to the leadership and the Government of Oman for the continued support extended to the Maldives throughout the years and underscored the Maldives’ commitment to fostering stronger bilateral relations with Oman. Both Ministers emphasised the importance of enhancing people-to-people connections and promoting trade and investment prospects between the two countries. 

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to advancing shared goals and exploring viable opportunities for collaboration to ensure developmental gains. 

Following the meeting, a signing ceremony was held to formalise two significant agreements between the Maldives and Oman. The Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic, Special, Service and Official Passports and the Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations. 

Minister Dr Khaleel was accompanied by Dr Hala Hameed, Secretary, Bilateral, Ms Fathimath Naeema, Senior Under Secretary and Mr Mohamed Shujau, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

SOURCE : Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

Maldives Receives 50 Tonnes of Dates from Saudi Arabia 

The Government has received 50 metric tonnes of dates donated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the upcoming fasting month of Ramadan. The announcement was made by Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed. 

The Minister confirmed that the dates have been brought to the Maldives and assured the public that the Ministry will distribute them to each household before Ramadan begins. 

Each year, the Saudi government makes a donation of dates to the Maldives in anticipation of Ramadan. 

In addition to individual household distributions, a portion of the dates will be allocated to local organisations that plan to hold Iftar programmes, Minister Saeed revealed. The dates donated by the Saudi government are distributed under the supervision of the Islamic Affairs Ministry. 

SOURCE : PSM

Maldives Signs Key Agreements with Oman 

Two agreements have been signed between the Maldives and Oman, as part of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel’s ongoing official visit to Oman. 

The signing ceremony took place following a meeting between Minister Khaleel and his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi. The agreements signed between the two countries include the Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic, Special, Service, and Official Passports and the Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations. Currently, Maldivians can travel to Oman without a visa only under specific conditions, such as holding a visa for certain countries. 

The Foreign Ministry said the Minister Khaleel’s meeting with the Omani Foreign Minister discussed the possibility of facilitating visa-free travel to Oman for the general Maldivian public. The Ministry disclosed that the request had been officially submitted to the Omani government. 

The two Ministers also discussed the possibility of convening the first round of political consultations between the Maldives and Oman at a mutually convenient time. They engaged in wide-ranging discussions focused on strengthening the existing bilateral partnership between the Maldives and Oman that spans over four decades and explored avenues for enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including trade, tourism, education, and investment promotion. 

As part of his visit, Minister Khaleel also held discussions with Oman’s Finance Minister Sultan bin Salim bin Saeed Al Habsi, on investment opportunities in the Maldives. During the call, the Maldives’ development policies as well as investment opportunities were discussed, in addition to discussions on strengthening bilateral relations. 

Minister Dr Khaleel also met with Sayyed Asaad bin Tariq Al Said, Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs and Special Representative of the country’s Sultan. During the meeting, Minister Khaleel expressed appreciation for the strong and enduring ties between the Maldives and Oman and conveyed gratitude for Oman’s generous assistance to the Maldives over the years, especially during times of crisis. Additionally, views on deepening economic cooperation in areas of mutual interest, in particular through investment, trade, tourism, and fisheries which will elevate bilateral partnership to new heights, were also discussed. 

SOURCE : PSM 

New Sports Fishing Harbours Will Help Boost Tourism, Says Minister Shiyam 

The development of harbours across five regions, equipped specifically for sports fishing, including the necessary equipment, will significantly boost tourist arrivals and benefit the economy, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has stated. He made this statement at the closing ceremony of a fishing tournament held to commemorate the 44th national Fishermen’s Day, which is marked annually on 10 December. 

The skipjack tuna and yellowfin tuna industry was in a dire state when President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s Administration came to power, according to Minister Shiyam. Adding that fish processing companies and other entities in the fishery sector were also facing numerous challenges, Minister Shiyam stated that since the first day of his administration, President Dr Muizzu has been diligently working to address and solve these issues. 

Minister Shiyam also highlighted several achievements of the current administration, including the payment of all outstanding dues to fishermen and the clearance of the backlog of payments. Another milestone is the reduction of fuel prices sold to fishermen, he said. 

The Minister also noted that establishing facilities for sports fishing was an electoral pledge of President Dr Muizzu. Dedicated zones have been identified for the development of sports fishing harbours, and work on these facilities is currently underway, he revealed. Once completed, these projects are expected to increase tourist arrivals, which will, in turn, benefit the economy, he projected. 

“We have identified locations across the country. With God’s will, the development of these harbours will bring benefits to sports fishing and the local sports fishing community,“ Minister Shiyam said. “Tourists are visiting for reef fishing in addition to enjoying the natural beauty and sunny beaches. With the attention of the international community, once the sports fishing harbours are completed, tourist arrivals will increase, and this component will become a sector that benefits the economy.” 

Sports fishing is garnering increasing attention and interest among Maldivian youth. This surge in interest is one of the reasons behind President Dr Muizzu’s pledge to develop harbours dedicated to sports fishing, according to Minister Shiyam. The administration has identified five regions for the development of these harbours, he said, which will feature facilities such as fish stalls, spaces to organise and manage sports fishing competitions, administrative offices, restaurants, cafés, shops selling fishing gear, and BBQ areas. 

The development of dedicated harbours for sports fishing will effectively address the concerns and challenges faced by sports fishing enthusiasts and industry professionals, added Minister Shiyam. 

SOURCE : PSM

Government Office Complex Fire Brings Three Ministries to a Halt as Health Agency Urges Caution 

A devastating fire in a Government building in the capital Male’ early Thursday has brought three separate ministries to a halt with public service temporarily suspended. 

The building, which houses the Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development; the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure; and the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, has been severely damaged, almost beyond use according to authorities. 

The Construction Ministry and Infrastructure Ministry and Environment Ministry in separate statements said the fire had crippled their operations and have been forced to suspend public services for now. However, both ministries said they were trying to work out a solution to resume services. 

The Housing Ministry meanwhile said it was switching most of its service to a building in the reclaimed suburb, Hulhumale’. 

The fire was reported just after sunrise., and the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) had worked for hours before the blaze was finally brought under control. 

In response to the emergency, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said it has identified around 50 people in need of assistance following the fire. 

NDMA Chief Hisan Hassan told PSM News that it was ready to provide shelter and financial assistance to those in need, adding that rescuers are doing a rapid assessment of the houses around the vicinity of the fire. 

“We are trying to see if these people can arrange for temporary shelter on their own. Once clearance is given, we will do the relocation,” Hisan said. 

Thick smoke emanating from the fire had spread to large parts of the capital, with the Ministry of Health urging caution. 

The Health Ministry advised to seek immediate medical care immediately if experiencing breathing difficulties or dizziness, adding that people with respiratory and heart conditions would be more vulnerable to the effects of smoke inhalation. 

The Ministry has also urged the public to close doors and windows to prevent smoke from entering and to steer clear of smoke-affected areas unless absolutely necessary. 

According to authorities, despite the severe damage to the building, no one was hurt in the incident.

SOURCE : PSM 

Regulations on Fishermen’s Registry Gazetted 

The Regulations on the Fishermen’s Registry, which seeks to enhance the welfare of local fishers, have been gazetted. 

The compilation of a national register of local fishers was a key electoral pledge of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The new regulations were gazetted as part of the efforts to fulfil the pledge. 

The regulation aims to ensure social security for fishermen, crew members, and vessel owners through the register, and ensure that they are state-recognised. Applications for registration must be submitted through the Keyolhu application. Once boat owners or operators are registered, the boat’s sailor and crew members, including locals and foreigners, must be registered. Relevant licences for different types of fishing, all fishing-related activities, and vessels will be issued after successful registration. 

From the date the regulation comes into effect, the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources must ensure those seeking services related to the fishermen from the ministry are registered. Those who are not registered will be entitled to the services once their registration is completed. 

The regulation further requires the Fisheries Ministry to ensure financial and social services are accessible to those registered in the fisheries register. 

The regulation states that it is the responsibility of the vessel’s owner or operator to ensure the accuracy of the information submitted for registration in the fisheries register. In cases where information listed in the fishermen’s registry requires a change, it is the responsibility of the fishing vessel owner or operator to update the information via the Keyolhu application within seven days from the date of the change. The Fisheries Ministry is also required to update and maintain the information. 

SOURCE : PSM 

Government Committed to Ensuring Cybersecurity, Says Minister Maumoon 

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s Administration is dedicated to safeguarding the safety and protection of all citizens, including within the digital realm, according to Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon. Speaking as the guest of honour at the opening ceremony of the ‘Cyber Expo 2024’ organised by the Maldives Police Service (MPS), Minister Maumoon underscored the Administration’s dedication to cybersecurity. 

In his address, Minister Maumoon highlighted that as the Maldives advances in the technological sector, President Dr Muizzu places special emphasis on safeguarding the country’s independence and sovereignty. The Administration is diligently working to uphold laws, maintain a safe and peaceful nation, and protect all citizens, both offline and online, he said. 

Minister Maumoon noted the increasing reliance on technological advancements in the Maldives, particularly in business transactions, essential needs, and personal matters. While acknowledging the numerous benefits and conveniences brought by technology, he also warned of the risks it poses to national security. He cited instances where citizens’ personal information had been compromised, leading to significant damage. 

“Many things become easier with technology. Something sold on an international market can be purchased from the comfort of home. We can make payments online. With these conveniences and benefits, however, there are many risks and threats posed by new and emerging technologies to national security. There is a risk of shutting down institutions by those residing in other countries,” Minister Maumoon cautioned. 

Reiterating the Administration’s policy, Minister Maumoon stated that President Dr Muizzu is committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all citizens in the cyber domain, just as in the physical community. He described the Cyber Expo as a significant effort towards enforcing this policy and enhancing cybersecurity measures. 

The expo is expected to contribute to improving the Maldives’ standing on the ITU Global Security Index, which in turn will help attract more foreign investments, according to Minister Maumoon. The Cyber Expo 2024 marks a pivotal step in the Maldives’ journey towards a secure and technologically advanced future, he added. 

SOURCE : PSM 

Minister Dr. Khaleel sends Republic Day greetings to Kenya’s Foreign Minister 

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdulla Khaleel has sent a message of felicitations to the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Kenya, Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, on the occasion of Kenya’s Republic Day. 

Minister’s message reads as follows: 

On behalf of the Government and the people of the Maldives, I wish to extend warm felicitations and sincere good wishes to Your Excellency and the people of Kenya on your Republic Day. 

As you celebrate this occasion, allow me to convey the Maldives’ commitment to further strengthening our bilateral relationship with Kenya. 

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.” 

SOURCE : Ministry of Foreign Affairs

BCC Launches Unified Kumevi Portal 

Business Center Corporation (BCC) has consolidated its services under one platform, the Kumevi Portal. 

The newly launched platform facilitates users to submit applications to become suppliers for BCC’s Authentic Maldives, as well as book workspaces from BCC’s co-working space, Seed. Consultation and advisory services for businesses can also be arranged via the portal, in addition to obtaining access to the Maha Portal, designated for the sale of fish products. 

Additionally, requests can be made to register in the Self-Employed Persons Registry, and apply for support from the Creative Economy Fund. 

The services were previously available separately on the corporation’s website. With the launch of the Kumevi Portal, all BCC services are now accessible in one place via an E-faas login. 

The portal, developed with the assistance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Japanese government, is now live on the BCC website. 

SOURCE : PSM