Parliament in the news

Bills and sittings of the People's Majlis from the last 45 days, as the outlets report them. The Majlis' own website is not read, so this is a pointer to the reports and not a record of the house. A day is shown only when the news names a single day, with the sentence it came from. No members, parties or votes are listed.

Rules and changes · All coming up

Coming up

Majlis seeks public input on homeschooling amendment · Thursday 12 November (tomorrow) The People's Majlis has opened a public consultation on a proposed Education Act amendment, introduced by Huraa MP Anara Naeem, that would allow homeschooling for children with specified disabilities or special circumstances. Feedback can be submitted by 2:00 pm on November 12, and the bill has drawn criticism from former officials and an MP who warned of possible exploitation without a robust regulatory framework. The deadline for submitting feedback on the proposed amendment is 2:00 pm on November 12. Interested parties can submit their views via email to legal+sub1@majlis.gov.mv or by sending a written submission to the Parliament Secretariat. Adhadhu (English) · published 5 November Source (opens Adhadhu (English) in a new tab)
Public invited to submit feedback on Education Act amendment bill · Thursday 12 November (tomorrow) A bill amending the Education Act, submitted by Hulhudhoo MP Dr Arana Naeem, has been referred to a joint parliamentary committee, which opened it for public consultation. The proposed amendments would introduce home-schooling, set a January academic-year start with at least 195 instructional days, and require free daily breakfast in government schools. The public can submit comments or proposed amendments to the committee by email or in writing to the Parliament Secretariat by 2 p.m. on 12 November. One Online · published 5 November Source (opens One Online in a new tab)

Bills in the news

Holiday homes, Israeli bans, libel suits and the noose: four bills before parliament Maldives Independent · published 11 November Source (opens Maldives Independent in a new tab)
Government-submitted bills pose a significant threat to the Maldives and its citizens: Fayyaz Raajje (English) · published 10 November Source (opens Raajje (English) in a new tab)
Parliament will pass bills even if it means delaying recess and extending current session: President Muizzu Raajje (English) · published 9 November Source (opens Raajje (English) in a new tab)
Defamation bill submitted to Majlis with compensation of up to MVR 500,000 One Online · published 9 November Source (opens One Online in a new tab)
Anti-bullying bill to be sent to Majlis within two weeks: President One Online · published 9 November Source (opens One Online in a new tab)
Bill submitted to enforce total ban on Israeli passport holders entering Maldives Raajje (English) · published 9 November Source (opens Raajje (English) in a new tab)
President says bills submitted to parliament are important legislative reforms PSM News · published 9 November Source (opens PSM News in a new tab)
Bill to carry out death penalty by hanging submitted to Majlis One Online · published 9 November Source (opens One Online in a new tab)
Parliament tables landmark real estate bill, proposes ban on Israeli investors and 25% foreign ownership cap The Standard · published 9 November Source (opens The Standard in a new tab)
Bill to "sell Rasmale'" introduced in Majlis Adhadhu (English) · published 9 November Source (opens Adhadhu (English) in a new tab)
Capital Punishment Bill submitted to Parliament MM TV (English) · published 9 November Source (opens MM TV (English) in a new tab)
President highlights four newly submitted bills as key legal and... MM TV (English) · published 9 November Source (opens MM TV (English) in a new tab)
Parliament holds first reading of four key Government reform bills MM TV (English) · published 9 November Source (opens MM TV (English) in a new tab)
Bill to facilitate Rasmale' deal expected in Majlis today A real estate bill is expected to be submitted to Parliament today to enable the 99-year sale of the publicly reclaimed Fushidhiggaru lagoon (Rasmalé) to Mohamed Alabbar's Eagle Hills, after a Commercial Terms Agreement was signed on September 21 in Dubai despite existing law not permitting it. Adhadhu (English) · published 5 November Source (opens Adhadhu (English) in a new tab)
Petition calls for public inquiry into Ras Male' project! A petition submitted to the People's Majlis through its e-petition system calls for a public inquiry into the Ras Male' project, a floor debate, and full disclosure of the agreement with UAE-based Eagle Hills before the final contract is signed. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that a complete copy of the agreement will be given to the relevant parliamentary committee and that a specialized real estate tourism bill will be opened for public consultation. Raajje (English) · published 4 November Source (opens Raajje (English) in a new tab)
Government to reverse 17 percent TGST on foreign tour operators The Maldives government will reverse amendments to the GST Act that required foreign tour operators to pay a 17 percent Tourism Goods and Services Tax, restoring the previous arrangement. Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen said Parliament was expected to pass the bill within one to two weeks, while MIRA would retain authority to determine fair market prices. PSM News · published 4 November Source (opens PSM News in a new tab)
Public invited to comment on bill to scrap inbound tourism GST The People's Majlis has opened a public consultation on a bill proposing to abolish GST on inbound tourism products and related services supplied by businesses without a permanent establishment in the Maldives. The bill, submitted by Kolamaafushi MP Ibrahim Didi on 26 August and referred to the Economic Committee, estimates the government could forgo MVR 1.61 billion in projected revenue, and the public can submit comments by noon on 9 November. One Online · published 4 November Source (opens One Online in a new tab)
Bill to scrap GST on inbound tourism services sent to Committee A bill to remove Goods and Services Tax on inbound tourism products and services supplied by businesses without a permanent establishment in the Maldives has been referred to Parliament's Economic Affairs Committee after the Whole House Committee approved the referral with all 47 voting MPs in support. The bill, which also seeks to strengthen MIRA's enforcement against GST non-compliance, would reverse the GST introduced on such services from 1 October. One Online · published 2 November Source (opens One Online in a new tab)
Parliament accepts bill to introduce January school year, homeschooling Parliament accepted a bill to amend the Education Act that would start the academic year in January and introduce homeschooling for eligible students. The bill was passed with 41 votes in favour out of 43 MPs present and referred to a joint committee for further review. One Online · published 2 November Source (opens One Online in a new tab)
Bill to allow homeschooling passed with unanimous support The Maldives Parliament passed a bill amending the Education Act to introduce a homeschooling program for children unable to attend school due to physical disability, mental health condition or other special circumstances. The bill was passed for acceptance with the unanimous vote of all 41 participating members, with no member voting against it. Maldives Voice · published 2 November Source (opens Maldives Voice in a new tab)
MDP not an individual, proven at National Council: Meekail South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem criticised Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujau during a Parliament sitting for claiming the opposition MDP shares Mohamed Nasheed's views opposing the homeschooling bill, saying MDP is not one individual and that its National Council had passed a resolution opposing Nasheed's opinions. The bill to amend the Education Act to introduce homeschooling provisions was debated, with allegations raised that it was submitted to suppress talk of the Rasmale' project and silence a religious organisation. The Edition · published 2 November Source (opens The Edition in a new tab)
Parliament accepts Education Act amendment bill proposing... Parliament unanimously accepted the Education Act Amendment Bill, submitted by Huraa MP Dr Anara Naeem on behalf of the Government, which permits homeschooling for children unable to attend mainstream schools and requires government schools to provide free daily meals to students who struggle to get food during school hours. MM TV (English) · published 2 November Source (opens MM TV (English) in a new tab)
Education bill advances Government’s vision for a holistic... MP Ibrahim Shujau defended proposed Education Act amendments introducing home-schooling alternatives during a parliamentary debate, saying they advance the government's vision of inclusive education. MP Dr Anaara Naeem submitted the bill on behalf of the Government, while Shujau rejected MDP criticism of the legislation. MM TV (English) · published 2 November Source (opens MM TV (English) in a new tab)
Education bill reflects President’s priority for children with... Parliament began debate on proposed amendments to the Education Act that would allow home-schooling for children with disabilities, mental health conditions or other special circumstances. Dhidhdhoo MP Abdul Latheef Mohamed welcomed the bill and defended the government's education spending. MM TV (English) · published 2 November Source (opens MM TV (English) in a new tab)
New legislation for Rasmale' deal yet to be sent to Majlis Members of Parliament say the government has not yet submitted the Real Estate Bill to the Majlis, despite assurances the legislation would precede the Rasmalé land deal granting 500 hectares to UAE-based Eagle Hills. The government targets signing the permanent agreement by November 17, while the Commercial Terms Agreement signed on September 21 remains undisclosed. Adhadhu (English) · published 1 November Source (opens Adhadhu (English) in a new tab)

Sittings and sessions

Budget 2027: Committee approves timeline to finalize budget review within two weeks Parliament's Budget Review Committee approved a timeline to finalize the proposed 2027 state budget by November 19, and scheduled a session on November 9 to question the Ministry of Finance. A budget of MVR 59,704,440,795 has been submitted to the People's Majlis for 2027, with total expenditure estimated at MVR 52.6 billion. Raajje (English) · published 5 November Source (opens Raajje (English) in a new tab)
Today’s MPs resemble schoolchildren; sittings must be adjourned by 11:00 a.m. just so they can attend classes: Shamheed MP Dr. Ahmed Shamheed said parliamentary sittings must be adjourned by 11:00 a.m. daily so MPs can attend classes, and criticised the lack of debate and economic policy in the People's Majlis. Speaking at an MDP Parliamentary Group press conference on Wednesday, he also cited official statistics showing food prices rose by more than 8 percent this year. Raajje (English) · published 4 November Source (opens Raajje (English) in a new tab)
Petition urges parliamentary inquiry into Rasmale' deal An opposition PNF activist, Haleemath Zuhaira, has submitted a petition to the People's Majlis calling for a full public inquiry, a parliamentary debate and an independent legal opinion on the sale of Rasmalé to UAE businessman Mohamed Alabbar before any enabling law is passed. The petition questions whether the deal, under which the government says the island is leased for 99 years and Eagle Hills says a new 99-year term would begin on any earlier sale, complies with Article 251 of the Constitution barring foreign ownership of Maldivian land. Adhadhu (English) · published 4 November Source (opens Adhadhu (English) in a new tab)
MDP MPs warn rule changes now block minority from raising urgent issues MDP MPs said that amendments to the Rules of Procedure in the 20th Parliament have closed the door on opposition members moving and debating resolutions, limiting their ability to raise urgent public concerns. The rules were changed in late October to require a vote on the adoption of resolutions before any debate takes place. Sun English · published 4 November Source (opens Sun English in a new tab)
Dollars released at official rate increased by 80%: Minister Saeed In Parliament's sitting, the opposition MDP's no-confidence motion against Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed was taken up, with Saeed saying claims about the dollar rate are false and that dollars released at the official rate have risen 80%. He said USD 1.9 billion had been provided from 2024 to the present, compared with USD 1.75 million released during the last three years of the Solih administration, and highlighted a requirement to exchange 40% of dollar income. Maldives Voice · published 4 November Source (opens Maldives Voice in a new tab)
Minister Saeed's failure to address six points raised by MDP, opting instead for irrelevant rhetoric, is the primary reason for his loss of confidence: Mauroof A no-confidence motion against Minister of Economic Development, Transport, and Trade Mohamed Saeed, signed by 13 MDP members, was debated and rejected at a People's Majlis sitting on Wednesday, with 10 votes in favour and 54 against. MP Mauroof Zakir said the Minister failed to address the six specific points raised, instead spending his allotted hour on rhetoric about the previous MDP administration. Raajje (English) · published 4 November Source (opens Raajje (English) in a new tab)
Dollar rate could fall to MVR 10 if PNC stays in power for 15 years: Falaah During a parliamentary debate on a no-confidence motion against Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed, PNC Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Falaah said the dollar could fall to MVR 10 if the ruling PNC stays in power for another 10 to 15 years, blaming the previous MDP government for dollar appreciation. Saeed responded with USD disbursement figures, saying USD 1.9 billion had been issued at the official rate during the first three years of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's administration. The Edition · published 4 November Source (opens The Edition in a new tab)
Tourism must evolve with global trends for success: Saeed Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed defended the government's sustainable township model, telling a no-confidence motion filed by 12 MDP MPs that the Maldives must adapt to changing global tourism trends. He said the Noonu Atoll township project was enabled by amendments to the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Act and that allegations of unconstitutionality should be left to parliamentary debate. The Edition · published 4 November Source (opens The Edition in a new tab)
Parliament rejects resolution opposing government acquisition of 14 land plots in Male' The People's Majlis rejected a resolution by MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem arguing that the Ministry of Housing, Land, and Urban Development's transfer of 14 land plots from Male' City Council jurisdiction to state ownership undermined decentralization. During Wednesday's session, 52 of the 63 members present voted against debating the motion. Raajje (English) · published 4 November Source (opens Raajje (English) in a new tab)
80% Increase in US Dollars Disbursed Under President Muizzu’s Administration: Minister Speaking during a no-confidence motion debate at the People's Majlis, a Minister highlighted government economic achievements, saying US dollar disbursements by the Bank of Maldives rose 80% under President Muizzu's administration and that USD 90.07 million has been received through international banking services to date. The Minister also outlined market price monitoring of 164 items, the expansion of essential commodities to 80 items, and a target to bring Thilafushi International Port into full operation by November 2027. Ministry of Economic Development & Trade · published 4 November Source (opens Ministry of Economic Development & Trade in a new tab)
Economic Minister Saeed's no-confidence motion in Majlis today A no-confidence motion against Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has been scheduled for today's Parliament session, filed in August by 13 MDP lawmakers who cite six grounds including mishandling of state finances and failure to control the black-market dollar rate. It is the third such motion against a cabinet minister of the current administration, after two earlier motions were defeated by the PNC supermajority. Adhadhu (English) · published 4 November Source (opens Adhadhu (English) in a new tab)
MP Thariq questions MDP’s call for referendum on Rasmalé project Mahibadhoo MP Ahmed Thariq questioned the MDP's call for a public referendum on the Rasmalé development during a parliamentary debate on a no-confidence motion against Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed, arguing the opposition's stance is inconsistent with past island and lagoon lease agreements made without referendums. He also dismissed the likelihood of the motion passing, citing the ruling PNC's parliamentary majority. MM TV (English) · published 4 November Source (opens MM TV (English) in a new tab)
Government measures to mitigate dollar shortage show results Government measures to ease the dollar shortage are showing results, with USD 1.9 billion released at the official rate — an 80 per cent increase over the previous Administration — and foreign exchange reforms improving access through formal banking channels. MP Ibrahim Falah made the remarks during Parliament's debate on the no-confidence motion against Minister Mohamed Saeed, rejecting the opposition's six grounds for removal as unfounded. MM TV (English) · published 4 November Source (opens MM TV (English) in a new tab)
No-confidence motion against Saeed agendaed for tomorrow A no-confidence motion against Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed has been placed on the agenda for tomorrow's sitting of the People's Majlis. The motion was submitted with the signatures of 13 opposition MDP members, and the General Committee has allocated one hour for debate and one hour for the minister to respond. One Online · published 3 November Source (opens One Online in a new tab)
Budget 2025: Each MP allotted 15 minutes for debate, with 45 minutes for Minister to respond to inquiries! The Parliament's General Purposes Committee approved a debate structure for the government's proposed MVR 59.7 billion budget for 2027, allotting each MP 15 minutes of debate and the Minister of Finance 45 minutes to respond. Finance Minister Hassan Zareer presented the budget, which totals MVR 59,704,440,795, a MVR 4.5 billion decrease from the 2026 budget, with MVR 52.6 billion in state expenditure and MVR 43.2 billion in projected revenue and grants. Raajje (English) · published 2 November Source (opens Raajje (English) in a new tab)
Schools today are unable to conduct any extracurricular activities without relying on labor and fundraising efforts of parents and teachers: Mauroof MP Mauroof Zakir said the financial situation of schools has deteriorated so much that they rely on parents' and teachers' labor and PTA fundraising to run any extracurricular activities. He spoke during Monday's parliamentary debate on the government-proposed amendment to the Education Act, alleging the administration's cost-cutting serves the President's personal interests. Raajje (English) · published 2 November Source (opens Raajje (English) in a new tab)
Majlis rejects resolution to hold JSC accountable for unfair dismissal of Justices The People's Majlis rejected a resolution calling for the Judicial Service Commission to be held accountable for the dismissal of Supreme Court justices Azmiralda Zahir and Mahaz Ali Zahir, denying it floor debate with 28 MPs voting against and seven in favour. The resolution was submitted after the Prosecutor General's Office decided on September 30 to decline criminal prosecution of the dismissed judges, citing lack of evidence. Adhadhu (English) · published 2 November Source (opens Adhadhu (English) in a new tab)
PNC majority blocks debate on resolution over removal of 2 Supreme Court judges A PNC parliamentary majority blocked debate on a resolution calling for the removal of two Supreme Court judges. It was the first resolution rejected under amendments to Parliament's standing orders passed the previous week, which allow lawmakers to vote against resolutions. Atoll Times · published 2 November Source (opens Atoll Times in a new tab)
Government proposes budget of MVR 59.7 billion for next year The government has submitted a proposed budget of MVR 59.7 billion to the People's Majlis for 2027, with total state expenditure estimated at MVR 52.6 billion and revenue and grants projected at MVR 43.2 billion. Finance Minister Hassan Zareer presented the budget during Thursday's parliamentary sitting, noting it is MVR 4.5 billion lower than the 2026 approved budget. Raajje (English) · published 29 October Source (opens Raajje (English) in a new tab)
Govt targets completion of 70% of contracted projects in 2027, says president President Muizzu said the government is targeting completion of 70% of contracted projects in 2027. A parliamentary sitting has been scheduled for Thursday afternoon for the budget presentation. Atoll Times · published 28 October Source (opens Atoll Times in a new tab)
Parliament fulfilling its duty to reform laws: Speaker Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla told MPs at the close of the 28 October 2026 sitting that Parliament is fulfilling its responsibility by introducing constructive amendments to government-proposed legislation. He said Parliament's constitutional role includes amending, reforming and repealing laws, and that national stability depends on the level of justice in society. One Online · published 28 October Source (opens One Online in a new tab)
Proposed budget for 2027 being submitted tomorrow Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla announced that Parliament's sitting to propose the estimated state budget for 2027 is scheduled for tomorrow at 1:30 pm, with the exact figure not yet known. The article also notes Parliament's approval of a record MVR 64.2 billion budget for 2026 and estimates for revenue, tax and deficit. The Edition · published 28 October Source (opens The Edition in a new tab)
Thousands rally outside Portugal's parliament over housing crisis, police operations Thousands rallied outside Portugal's parliament in Lisbon on Tuesday to protest a deepening housing crisis and recent police operations against housing activists, while lawmakers debated the government's draft budget for 2027. Police reported 11 minor injuries in Sunday's camp-clearing operations in Lisbon and Porto, while an activist group said 60 people were hurt. The Edition · published 28 October Source (opens The Edition in a new tab)
Parliament removes controversial Penal Code amendment from agenda Parliament removed a controversial Penal Code amendment from its sitting agenda. The move follows criticism of the proposed legislation, with opponents alleging its provisions could be used to restrict protests against the Eagle Hills project. Atoll Times · published 27 October Source (opens Atoll Times in a new tab)
Pay Commissioned to be summoned over complaints regarding Pay Harmonization system The National Pay Commission will appear before Parliament's Public Accounts Committee to address complaints about the state pay harmonization system, following a motion tabled by MP Dr. Ahmed Shameed and passed by the committee. The new pay framework was set to come into force on November 1, 2025, under a promise by President Dr. Mohammed Muizzu, and the Pay Commission says it is working with relevant agencies to resolve challenges encountered. Byline · published 22 October Source (opens Byline in a new tab)