Malé, Maldives — PayPal now operates in the Maldives. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated the global payment platform today (June 15, 2026) at the Barceló Nasamdhura.
The launch connects the Maldives to a world-renowned financial network. It also caps a government drive that began in January last year. Local entrepreneurs gain a direct line to global markets for the first time.
A Strategic Partnership Powers the Rollout
Officials first announced the arrangements on October 5, last year. Ooredoo Fintech now deploys the service across the country.
The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) granted Ooredoo the inward remittance license that unlocks the integration. Maldivians can access PayPal through Ooredoo’s m-Faisaa platform. The platform works on every mobile network, not just Ooredoo’s, so the rollout reaches users nationwide.
Economic Impact and Strategic Benefits
The arrival of PayPal should energize the local economy. President Muizzu has long argued that global payment systems strengthen the modern workforce. Three groups stand to gain the most:
- The gig economy wins. Content creators and freelancers can now collect international payments through a trusted, globally recognized channel.
- Online businesses grow. Local e-commerce sellers can reach customers worldwide and accept their payments with ease.
- Tourism gathers pace. Visitors gain a familiar, secure way to spend during their stay, which in turn feeds tourism revenue.
A Presidential Pledge Delivered
President Muizzu promised Maldivians access to PayPal and other major online payment systems. Today he kept that promise. The launch also pushes the country’s financial infrastructure into a more modern era, and signals that the Maldivian digital economy is ready to face the global stage.