Rules and changes

New or changed taxes, fees, fines, bans, limits and rules from the last 60 days that name a theme and say something changed. A day is shown only when the news names a single day, with the sentence it came from.

Parliament (bills and sittings) · Notices

Coming into effect

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 · Rules and laws 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 · Rules and laws Source (opens One Online in a new tab)
MIRA Revises Integration Deadlines for Maldives Green Information System · Friday 1 January (in 51 days) MIRA announced revised deadlines for Green Tax registrants integrating with the Maldives Green Information System, which went live on October 1. The schedule sets two mandatory rollout batches with upload and full-integration deadlines stretching to July 1, 2027, giving tourism operators more time to adapt. Batch 2 (All remaining Green Tax registered properties): The taxable period begins on January 1, 2027, followed by an information upload deadline of February 15, 2027. The Maldives Journal · published 26 October · Tax and duty, Rules and laws Source (opens The Maldives Journal in a new tab)
President Announces Higher GST Threshold and Tax Relief for SMEs · Friday 1 January (in 51 days) President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced plans to raise the mandatory GST registration threshold from MVR 1 million to MVR 1.5 million from 1 January 2027, along with tax concessions and payment measures for SMEs. Other measures include an Addu City SME concession zone pilot, US dollar payments through the Bank of Maldives Gateway from 1 November, and zero import duties on SME raw materials from 1 January 2027. Addu City will host the first three-year pilot under the government's SME concession zone policy, beginning on 1 January 2027. Corporate Maldives · published 25 October · Tax and duty, Rules and laws Source (opens Corporate Maldives in a new tab)
President assures more favourable opportunities for SMEs within the next three months · Friday 1 January (in 51 days) President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced a series of SME support measures to be introduced between November 2026 and January 2027, including USD payment facilities, tax-free zones in Addu City, GST threshold revisions, zero-rated import duties on raw materials, and a second-phase youth loan scheme. The announcements were made at the awards ceremony of Maldives Expo 2026 at Barceló Nasandhura. the government has resolved to zero-rate import duties on raw materials imported by SMEs for production purposes, effective 1 January 2027 Ministry of Economic Development & Trade · published 24 October · Tax and duty Source (opens Ministry of Economic Development & Trade in a new tab)
Small businesses to receive five-year import duty relief under new government initiative · Friday 1 January (in 51 days) President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced a five-year import duty exemption at zero percent on designated raw materials for MSMEs, effective January 1, 2027, along with measures including a higher GST registration threshold and a tax offset mechanism for government payment delays. He also reported that MVR 795 million in loans had been disbursed to more than 1,000 entrepreneurs during 2026. The exemption, scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027, will introduce a zero percent import duty rate on designated materials used in manufacturing and production by eligible small businesses. The Standard · published 25 October · Tax and duty Source (opens The Standard in a new tab)

Recently reported

FDC imposes fines in 23 cases involving housing regulation violations Atoll Times · published 11 November · Fees and fines, Rules and laws Source (opens Atoll Times in a new tab)
MIRA reaffirms fair and consistent tax enforcement across businesses MM TV (English) · published 11 November · Tax and duty Source (opens MM TV (English) in a new tab)
Regulation amended to remove import duty on cling film used to wrap food One Online · published 10 November · Tax and duty, Rules and laws Source (opens One Online in a new tab)
New immigration bill proposes indefinite ban on Israeli passport holders The Standard · published 9 November · Bans and limits Source (opens The Standard in a new tab)
Maldives government submits bill to introduce death penalty by hanging The Standard · published 9 November · Fees and fines Source (opens The Standard in a new tab)
Committee OK’s abolishing tax on foreign tour agents; raising GST registration threshold to MVR 1.5M Sun English · published 9 November · Tax and duty Source (opens Sun English in a new tab)
L. Gan introduces vegetation protection rules, charges MVR 100 per tree removed for commercial use Sun English · published 8 November · Rules and laws Source (opens Sun English in a new tab)
MMA Mandates Digital Platform for Money Changers, Mandatory from December Corporate Maldives · published 8 November · Rules and laws Source (opens Corporate Maldives in a new tab)
President assures to probe concerns over Hiyaavahi financing scheme During the 'Rayyithunge Adu' program on Thursday night, a participant told President Dr Mohamed Muizzu that the Hiyaavahi Finance scheme approved only MVR 650,000 of their MVR 900,000 housing loan application, with instalments blocked by building registration requirements. President Muizzu said the issues had not been raised with him before, acknowledged the implementation fell short of his vision, and pledged to ask the Ministry to investigate the reduced approval and explore increasing the amount. Sun English · published 6 November · Rules and laws Source (opens Sun English in a new tab)
Veymandoo’s new hospital will be a reliable facility for the entire region: Kuwait Fund The Maldives government and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development signed a loan agreement for 3 million Kuwaiti Dinars (about USD 9.7 million) to develop the Thaa Atoll Hospital in Veymandoo, the fund's first investment in the Maldivian healthcare sector and its 15th loan to the country. At the ceremony, the Kuwait Fund's Acting Director General also announced it is raising the Maldives' annual country limit from about USD 10 million to USD 40 million effective next year. Raajje (English) · published 6 November · Bans and limits Source (opens Raajje (English) in a new tab)
Maldives reaffirms Montreal Protocol, Kigali Amendment commitments... Minister of State for Climate Change, Environment and Energy Ali Faris Yoosuf reaffirmed the Maldives' commitments to the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment during the high-level segment of MOP38 in Kigali, Rwanda. The country froze HFC consumption in 2024 and targets a 10 per cent reduction from its baseline by 2029. MM TV (English) · published 6 November · Rules and laws Source (opens MM TV (English) in a new tab)
Course planned for next year to address shortage of corruption investigators The Maldives National Anti-Corruption Academy (MNACA) announced plans to introduce an MQA-accredited diploma programme next year to address a shortage of qualified corruption investigators. Director General Ibrahim Thoyyib said the curriculum would follow international investigative standards, covering ethics, case management, evidence gathering, digital forensics, financial analysis, procurement regulations and intelligence work. Sun English · published 5 November · Rules and laws Source (opens Sun English in a new tab)
Maldivians have never before witnessed country's economic situation deteriorate to such a low level: Ameeth Former MP Mohamed Ameeth said on RaajjeTV's "Fala Surukhee" program that the Maldives' economy has fallen to its lowest point in recent history, with living costs soaring. He said mandatory dollar conversion laws have failed and that resort workers have had salaries converted from US dollars to Maldivian Rufiyaa, reducing their take-home pay, and called for the Economic Minister to resign. Raajje (English) · published 5 November · Rules and laws Source (opens Raajje (English) in a new tab)
Tax revenue from tourism increased, grants to councils and land-related capital expenditures rise Maldives Financial Review · published 5 November · Tax and duty Source (opens Maldives Financial Review in a new tab)
Kuwait Fund quadruples Maldives’ annual financing limit to USD... The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development agreed to raise the Maldives' annual financing limit from USD 10 million to USD 40 million from 2027, and signed a loan agreement worth about USD 9.7 million for a 50-bed hospital in Veymandoo. The two sides also discussed possible financing for the Thilafushi port development project as the partnership marks 50 years. MM TV (English) · published 5 November · Bans and limits Source (opens MM TV (English) in a new tab)
Maldives co-chairs key Montreal Protocol funding talks Maldives Deputy Director General Miruza Mohamed is co-chairing talks on the Montreal Protocol's funding arrangements for 2027–2029 at the 38th Meeting of the Parties in Kigali, Rwanda, held from 2 to 6 November. The meeting coincides with the tenth anniversary of the Kigali Amendment, and the Maldives has a target of cutting HFC consumption by 10 per cent from its baseline by 2029. MM TV (English) · published 5 November · Rules and laws Source (opens MM TV (English) in a new tab)
Members Above the Age of 65 Can Now Use MRPS Funds for Hajj Reservations Regulations under the 6th Amendment to the Maldives Pension Act have been gazetted and implemented, allowing Maldives Retirement Pension Scheme members aged 65 and above to use their Retirement Savings Account funds to reserve a mandatory Hajj pilgrimage spot. Members must not have performed Hajj before, keep a minimum RSA balance of MVR 336,000, and pay 20 percent of the Hajj price up front to the Maldives Hajj Corporation. Maldives Pension Office · published 5 November · Rules and laws Source (opens Maldives Pension Office in a new tab)
SME Digital doubles business financing limit to MVR 10 million SME Digital has raised the financing limits for its Asset Financing, Business Expansion Financing and Vessel Financing facilities from MVR 5 million to MVR 10 million to expand funding access for small and medium-sized enterprises. Vessel Financing covers fisheries and tourism craft such as fishing vessels, dive dhonis, sports fishing boats and excursion vessels, and applications are submitted through the SME Portal on SME Digital's website. MM TV (English) · published 5 November · Bans and limits Source (opens MM TV (English) in a new tab)
E-commerce platform The Patchee opens doors to MVR payments E-commerce platform The Patchee has introduced a Maldivian Rufiyaa payment option for customers in the Maldives, letting purchases be completed with locally issued debit and credit cards on its Maldives website. The platform says product prices are displayed in MVR and advertises local card payments without spending limits, as foreign currency access for international online transactions remains a concern for consumers. MM TV (English) · published 5 November · Bans and limits Source (opens MM TV (English) in a new tab)
MMA launches Money Changer System to strengthen forex oversight The Maldives Monetary Authority launched the Money Changer System, a digital platform for foreign currency transaction reporting, which becomes mandatory for all licensed money changers from 1 December 2026. The launch follows amendments to the Foreign Currency Act ratified in August 2026 that reinforced MMA oversight of currency exchange activities. MM TV (English) · published 5 November · Rules and laws Source (opens MM TV (English) in a new tab)
Maldive Gas limits sale of cooking gas! Maldive Gas has placed limits on the sale of cooking gas cylinders, filling them below their stated capacity because of rising global gas prices. The company said gas prices will not be increased and charges will continue at current rates. Raajje (English) · published 4 November · Bans and limits 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 · Rules and laws Source (opens Adhadhu (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 · Tax and duty, Rules and laws 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 · Tax and duty Source (opens One Online in a new tab)
Male' City Council challenges transfer of long-standing responsibilities to the new GMTMO office The Male' City Council unanimously decided to seek an interim court order to halt the transfer of its long-standing powers to the Greater Male' Transport and Mobility Office (GMTMO), created under amendments to the Land Transport Act. The Road Traffic Act, which came into force last month, includes a special chapter for the Male' area establishing a Transport Mobility Fund and a traffic office for the region. Sun English · published 4 November · Rules and laws Source (opens Sun 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 · Rules and laws 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 · Rules and laws Source (opens Maldives Voice in a new tab)
MDP accuses govt of restricting opposition's role in parliament MDP MPs protested in parliament, accusing the government of restricting the opposition's role. The party cited amendments to parliamentary rules, rejection of opposition resolutions, and limits on speaking time. Atoll Times · published 4 November · Bans and limits, Rules and laws Source (opens Atoll Times in a new tab)
Government Targets Cheaper Domestic Flights With New Subsidies The Maldivian government has earmarked transport subsidies in the projected 2027 state budget to reduce domestic airfares, including MVR 111 million for the North Connectivity Project. Remaining funds will expand the Raajje Transport Link ferry and bus network to uncovered atolls while maintaining subsidised fares on existing routes. Corporate Maldives · published 4 November · Fees and fines Source (opens Corporate Maldives 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 · Rules and laws Source (opens The Edition in a new tab)
Minister: We supplied 80% more dollars than MDP administration Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed told Parliament that the PNC administration supplied USD 1.9 billion in US dollars to banks during its first three years, 80 percent more than the MDP administration did in its last three, while responding to a no-confidence motion filed against him by the MDP. He said the Maldives Monetary Authority, not he, formulates foreign exchange policy, and defended the increase of the mandatory USD exchange requirement from 20 to 40 percent. Sun English · published 4 November · Rules and laws Source (opens Sun English in a new tab)
Saeed defends rising costs of goods and services Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed defended the government's economic management before Parliament, responding to a no-confidence motion by Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir. He cited increased foreign currency releases at the official rate, a higher resort dollar-exchange requirement, port expansion, and larger strategic food reserves to argue the administration has improved the economy. Adhadhu (English) · published 4 November · Rules and laws Source (opens Adhadhu (English) in a new tab)
No-confidence motion against Saeed on Parliament agenda The no-confidence motion filed by the MDP against Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed in August is on the agenda for Wednesday's Parliament sitting, with the General Committee having earlier decided to give the minister one hour to respond to the allegations. The motion, signed by 13 MDP MPs, accuses Saeed of neglecting constitutional duties, cites rising black-market dollar rates and stalled economic projects, and objects to SEZ Act amendments and the Maldives Pearl Residence programme. The Edition · published 4 November · Tax and duty, Rules and laws Source (opens The Edition in a new tab)
Maldives Gas to reduce cylinder refill quantities from 7 November Maldives Gas will reduce the quantity of gas in its cylinders from 7 November while keeping the price per kilogram unchanged, citing rising international gas prices and import difficulties amid the worsening situation in the Middle East. The company said it is working to expand storage capacity to reduce the impact of international price swings and import restrictions. MM TV (English) · published 4 November · Bans and limits Source (opens MM TV (English) in a new tab)
Agreement signed with Kuwait Fund to develop Th. Atoll Hospital The Government of the Maldives signed an agreement with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development for a loan of 3 Million Kuwaiti Dinars (about USD 9.7 million) to build a modern 50-bed Th. Veymandoo New Hospital in Th. Atoll. The Fund also announced it will raise its annual loan limit for the Maldives from USD 10 million to approximately USD 40 million from 2027 onwards. Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises · published 4 November · Bans and limits Source (opens Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises in a new tab)
Introduction of homeschooling concept will lead to a significant number of children being marginalized and excluded from education system: Ihusan Former Deputy Minister of Education Mohamed Ihusan stated that the introduction of homeschooling has marginalized children from the formal education system and expressed concern over the government's proposed amendments to the Education Act. Speaking on RaajjeTV's 'Fala Surukhee' program, he argued children must be taken to school and learn conflict resolution and emotional regulation. Raajje (English) · published 3 November · Rules and laws Source (opens Raajje (English) in a new tab)
Economic development must not compromise national sovereignty:... President Dr Mohamed Muizzu used the official Victory Day ceremony address to call for ambitious economic development and greater financial self-reliance, while stressing that progress must not compromise the Maldives' sovereignty, Islamic identity, language or cultural heritage. He said reducing the national debt was essential to protecting the country's ability to determine its own future and reported that progress was already being made toward his administration's policy commitments. MM TV (English) · published 3 November · Rules and laws Source (opens MM TV (English) 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 · Tax and duty Source (opens One Online in a new tab)
OIC Meeting Focuses on Information Sharing and Asset Recovery The Maldives attended the Third Ministerial Meeting of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Agencies in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 27 to 28 October 2026, alongside over 250 participants from 46 OIC member and observer countries and eight international organisations. Discussions covered information sharing, asset recovery and the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Convention on Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Cooperation adopted in 2023. Corporate Maldives · published 2 November · Rules and laws Source (opens Corporate Maldives 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 · Rules and laws Source (opens Raajje (English) in a new tab)