Author: Mohamed Reehaan
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has raided the Ombudsperson’s Office of Transitional Justice over allegations of tampering with allegation findings. The crackdown was confirmed by an official of the commission. The commission raided the office due to recent allegations that came to light after one of its Ombudsperson, Jihadha Anees, made serious allegations in her resignation. The outgoing Ombudsperson had alleged that the office was altering the findings of ongoing or completed investigations. Jihadha had specified challenges she faced in fulfilling her role as an Ombudsperson ranging from harassment to lack of cooperation from superiors. She alleged that the abrupt commencement…
Schengen Visa in the Maldives can be applied online via e-visa services. Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid via social media X said that the European Council is adopting new visa rules which would allow e-visa application by Maldivians for Schengen Visa once the process commences. Once the administrative work related to the newly adopted rules of the European Council concludes, the ministry would announce a date when the service will launch. Schengen Area includes 27 European countries. Previously, Maldivians were required to travel to Sri Lanka to seek visas for these countries. In 2020, a VFS Global Joint Session…
US President Joe Biden announced the designation of a presidential delegation to attend the inauguration of Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on November 17, as the country’s next president. Samantha Power, the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development will lead the deelgation. Members of the presidential delegation include Hugo Yon, the US Ambassador to the Maldives, Sarah Ladislaw, the Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Climate and Energy, National Security Council.
The Minister of Environment Aminath Shauna has sustained the initial fine of MVR 69 million on Afcons Infrastructure, the contractor handling the development of the Thilamale’ Bridge project. The ministry issued a statement on Tuesday, November 14, nearly a year after the appeal was filed with the ministry by the contractor, that there was no reason to alter the initial decision which was decided based on the damage assessment survey of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The collapse of a bridge survey platform used by Afcons atop Vilimale’ reef left the area significantly damaged. Afcons contested the ministry’s fine with…
President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced Friday, November 10, that women will be appointed as the managing directors of eight state-owned enterprises (SOEs), which is aligned with the incoming government’s policy on women empowerment and female representation. Speaking at the Social Center, Dr. Muizzu emphasized his commitment to significantly increase women’s roles in the government, which was an important campaign pledge of his as well. “This marks the highest number of women appointed to lead state-owned companies in any government,” the President-elect said. Besides this, Dr. Muizzu highlighted the inclusion of women as ministers in charge of three ministries in his…
The Maldives government has contracted operations of Faafu atoll Magoodhoo Airport to Regional Airports Company Limited (RACL). Under the agreement by the Ministry of Finance contracted to RACL, all operational discretions have been transferred to the corporation. The outgoing President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had announced the decision to extend the runway from 1,200 meters to 1,800 meters at the airport, developed at a budget of MVR 230 million. RACL reported that the airport’s fire building and terminal structures have been completed, with finishing works remaining. Besides this, a special accommodation block is under plans to facilitate lodging for private jet…
The Ministry of Finance announces bids surpassing MVR 5 million will be accepted through the bidding portal effective immediately. The bidding portal, first introduced in 2021, facilitate secure and convenient electronic bidding. The ministry said via a circular released on Monday, November 13, that all state procurements exceeding MVR 5 million will now be conducted digitally through the portal. Any procurement exceeding MVR 5 million that are part of the state’s general budget must under the bidding submission process through the auction portal.
Maldives government has overdrawn MVR 1.7 billion through Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), the country’s central bank in October; marking an MVR 300 million increment compared to the previous month. Since 2020, the Maldives government has engaged in the practice of printing money every month. An amount of MVR 4.2 billion previously printed earlier this year has been transformed into long-term bonds. The monthly printing quota has been capped at MVR 2 billion, with the restriction aimed at curtailing the government’s ability to print additional currency each month. The total monetary expansion for 2023 is poised to reach MVR 6.2 billion…
Tourist arrivals to the Maldives reach close to 1.6 million in annual terms according to the Ministry of Tourism. The ministry revealed that the total tourist arrivals to the Maldives has reached a total of 1,577,890 as of November 11, 2023. This is a 13.0% increment from the same period in 2022. Earlier, the Maldives government set an annual arrival target of 1.9 million. Based on the most recent arrival statistics, the Maldives is now a little over 200,000 short of hitting the annual target. Top 10 Markets of 2023 (as of Nov 11) Russia: 181,586 India: 169,806 China: 168,133…
Fushifaru Maldives, a five-star boutique resort in Lhaviyani Atoll, celebrates winning multiple awards including ‘Hotel of the Year’ at LUXE Global Awards 2023. The awards recognize Fushifaru’s outstanding hospitality, exceptional service and dedication and dedication to create special experiences and lasting moments for guests. The property won the following accolades at the event; Best Authentic Experience Resort in Maldives Best Luxury Honeymoon Resort Globally Best Luxury Boutique Resort Globally Hotel of the Year 2023 The property also won the Booking.com “Traveller Review Award”, the ‘International Sustainable Award’ at the Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2023 and the ‘Best Hotel Sustainability Progress’ Award…