Author: Mohamed Reehaan

Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) reports a total revenue of MVR 1.67 billion for the month of November 2023. According to statistics, this is a 10.5% increment over the same month in 2022. The increment is mainly owed to the increase in the collection of tax sources such as the TGST, GGST, and their respective rate hike in 2023. Additional to this, the expatriate quota fee in 2023, along with dues collection of Tourism Land Rent led to the favorable outcome for the review month, while tourist arrivals in October 2023 increased by 3.5% which led to an increment in…

Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has appointed Hassan Mughnee as the new Deputy Managing Director of the company. The former Managing Director of State Electric Company (STELCO), and the former State Minister of the Ministry of Environment would be joining current Deputy MD Mohamed Jamsheed in the executive team of MTCC. Mughnee’s name was among the first in consideration as the new members of the Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB) issued by Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. He however, later revised the list, citing Mughnee would be required for a different government role.

Urbanco on Tuesday, December 26, announced that the fenced off area of Hulhumale’ Phase II is now legally restricted for public access. The corporation said unpermitted entry into the area by people’s not sanctioned to enter, are constituting trespass. A statement issued by Urbanco said that the fenced-off area is no longer open for public. The corporation reiterated its continuous plea against trespassing into the area. “As such, we urge and announce not to enter the area without a valid reason and permission,” Urbanco. Urbanco further reiterated the cautions issued by health authorities on the alarming growth of mosquito population…

The Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusan said that medical screenings are now mandatory for expatriates to renew or extend their visa. The government said it will be revising the policy making the previously optional medical screening for inbound expatriates mandatory. A decision fueled by the recent resurgence of filariasis in the Maldives; a previously fully exterminated disease. Minister said that a timeline for expatriates to undergo medical screening be issued sometime this week. He further confirmed the new policy will come to full effect by the beginning of 2024. Minister Ihusan further said that the government has…

According to the Maldives government, the recent decision to increase the credit and debit card withdrawal or usage limit for Maldivian students abroad, is the first phase of the overall initiative. As such, the government has announced ongoing efforts to extend the same ease for other customers in the future as well. On Sunday, December 24, the government increased the card limit for students in foreign countries, effective February 1, 2024. With this change, students would be able to withdraw a maximum of USD 1,200 per month from the Bank of Maldives (BML) credit and debit cards. Previously, students studying…

Villa Hakatha wins the “Cement Supplier of the Year” at the Maldives National Association of Construction Industry (MNACI) Builder Awards 2023. MNACI held its debut awarding ceremony on December 24, Sunday evening, at JEN Maldives Male’ by Shangri-La. Villa Hakatha was bestowed with the accolade in recognition of its contribution as a prime supplier of construction materials to the Maldivian construction sector. The company is regarded among the leading retail and wholesale distributors in the field as well, and offers other variety of products including gas, fuel, and Shell brand lubricants as well. The company takes great pride in its…

The Maldives National Association of Construction Industry (MNACI) has awarded President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu with their most prestigious title in recognition of his contribution to the construction industry. President Muizzu was presented with the ‘Bodu Rasgefaanu’ title at the MNACI Builder Awards 2023 held at JEN Maldives Male’ by Shangri-La on Sunday evening, December 24. MNACI emphasized President Muizzu’s role in making sustainable advances in the construction and building sectors throughout his previous tenures as both the former Minister of Housing and Male’ City Mayor. The association acknowledged President Muizzu’s instrumental role in overseeing the construction of some of the…

A total of 10 hectares of land from Fushidhiggaru Falhu has been reclaimed within a week’s time. RasMale’ eco-city project is the most ambitious urbanization initiative of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The island is developed by reclaiming Fushidhiggaru Falhu located south of Male’ City. The project commenced on Monday, last week. While the reclamation works of the first phase are underway, the contractor has successfully reclaimed 10 hectares of land since commencement. Sri Lanka’s Capital Marine and Civil Construction Company (CMCC) was contracted for the reclamation efforts, and is expected to complete its task in eight months. Under the RasMale’…

Maldives government has announced an increment in the card limit starting from February 2024 onward, which would facilitate Maldivian students studying abroad to withdraw USD 1,200 per month from Bank of Maldives (BML) credit and debit cards. The Principal Secretary to the President on Public Policy, Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, while speaking at a recent press conference, expressed concerns of students abroad facing plights owing to restrained withdrawal limits. As of now, students are able to withdraw only up to USD 750 per month. The cabinet held a meeting to discuss the issue, and agreed on increasing the limit to USD…

Furanafushi Island, where Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is located, celebrates its 50th anniversary. The property, celebrating its golden jubilee, is poised to pay tribute to the dramatic transformation of the Maldivian tourism landscape. The resort would take a look back at where “it all began” using key learnings to lay the groundwork for the next 50 years of Furanafushi. Furanafushi first served as a picnic destination for residents near the region, and later became known as ‘Australia Island’ and was widely marketed as “Found! A Lost Paradise”. In December 1973, the island welcomed the 56-key Sheraton Maldives,…