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)

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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Home-schooling not meant to leave children unregistered: Husnee Manadhoo Constituency MP Husnee Mubarik said the proposed amendment to the Education Act introducing home-schooling is not intended to keep children unregistered at schools or to keep girls out of education, rejecting former President Mohamed Nasheed's criticism. Education Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu said the amendment will establish clear legal rules for home-schooling and prevent its misuse, with home-based learning provided after an assessment of applicants' needs. The Edition · published 2 November · Rules and laws Source (opens The Edition 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 · Rules and laws Source (opens Atoll Times in a new tab)
Homeschooling will not exclude students from the education system:... Manadhoo MP Husnee Mubarik said the proposed amendment to the Education Act allowing homeschooling under specific conditions will not leave students excluded from the formal education system, speaking during the debate on the bill. He said such cases would be assessed individually by the Education Minister, and that the amendment contains no provisions targeting students of any particular gender. MM TV (English) · published 2 November · Rules and laws Source (opens MM TV (English) 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 · Rules and laws 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 · Rules and laws 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 · Rules and laws Source (opens MM TV (English) in a new tab)
Allowing foreign parties to own Maldivian land is equivalent to dismantling core pillars of the nation: Jameel Former Vice President Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed criticised the government on a RaajjeTV talk show, arguing that allowing foreign ownership of Maldivian land would undermine the nation's core pillars and inevitably lead to non-Muslims acquiring land and gaining religious freedom. He also criticised the amendment of the Penal Code and said President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's administration has delivered no development as it reaches its three-year mark. Raajje (English) · published 1 November · Rules and laws Source (opens Raajje (English) in a new tab)
Pond located on land allocated for Feevah School project has only continued to expand, with no further progress made on development The Sh. Feevah Island Council says there are no updates on the island's new school project beyond the fact that a stagnant pool of water on the allocated site has grown larger. The council has expanded the allocated land to meet government design requirements and submitted the updated design for official approval. Raajje (English) · published 1 November · Rules and laws Source (opens Raajje (English) in a new tab)
Government is orchestrating plans to silence voices of citizens speaking out against Ras Male' project: Musthafa Attorney Musthafa Hameed has said the Muizzu administration is working to silence citizens, including those speaking out against the Ras Male' project, and accused the President of spreading falsehoods about it. The government has submitted an amendment to the Penal Code criminalizing acts that harm the national economy, which the public fears is meant to silence opposition to development projects. Raajje (English) · published 1 November · Rules and laws Source (opens Raajje (English) in a new tab)
NBAM urges evidence-based investigation into Maldives Legend–Infinity X incident The National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM) called for a thorough and impartial investigation into an incident involving diving teams associated with Maldives Legend Liveaboard and Infinity X after footage circulated on social media. NBAM also raised concerns about foreign-operated tourism vessels doing business through locally registered companies, differences between Infinity X's government-record and booking-platform accommodation details, and called for consistent enforcement of licensing and maritime-safety requirements. Maldives Voice · published 1 November · Rules and laws Source (opens Maldives Voice in a new tab)
Maldives' official reserves stand at USD 547.8 million in September Maldives Monetary Authority figures show official reserves at USD 547.8 million at the end of September 2026, with usable reserves of USD 169.8 million after accounting for USD 527 million in short-term obligations. The government has introduced foreign currency conversion requirements for tourism establishments and other foreign currency-earning businesses, which the article links to a recent Moody's upgrade of the sovereign credit rating. MM TV (English) · published 1 November · Rules and laws Source (opens MM TV (English) in a new tab)
UK PM Burnham says he is 'open' to formal apology for slavery, but rules out reparations British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he is open to a formal state apology for Britain's historical role in slavery ahead of the Commonwealth summit in Antigua and Barbuda, but ruled out financial reparations. In a Guardian article he instead proposed a structured dialogue and a new debt drive, while Antigua and Barbuda's prime minister said the Caribbean's stance on reparatory justice is unchanged. The Edition · published 31 October · Rules and laws Source (opens The Edition in a new tab)
Customs’ fiscal mandate to move to Finance Ministry The government has decided to transfer the fiscal mandate of the Maldives Customs Service to the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises to strengthen revenue administration. Presenting the proposed 2027 State Budget, Minister of Finance Hassan Zareer said the government will widen the Maldives Guest Information System and set up a modern e-invoicing system, and that relevant tax laws will be amended. MM TV (English) · published 31 October · Tax and duty, Rules and laws Source (opens MM TV (English) in a new tab)
Education Bill proposes minimum 195 school days a year A proposed amendment to the Education Act would require Maldivian schools to provide a minimum of 195 teaching days per year, excluding public and school holidays, and would set January as the start of the academic year. Education Minister Dr Islaw Shafeeu said the country currently has no legally established minimum number of teaching days. The Edition · published 30 October · Rules and laws Source (opens The Edition in a new tab)
MTCC shareholders approve MVR 3 per share dividend at annual general meeting Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) shareholders approved an MVR 3 per share dividend for the 2025 financial year at the company's Annual General Meeting, held virtually on Thursday evening. Shareholders also approved the audited financial statements, appointed Hussain Hassanfulhu as Non-Executive Independent Director, appointed Deloitte Partners as external auditor for the 2026 financial year, and endorsed amendments to the Articles of Association. The Standard · published 30 October · Rules and laws Source (opens The Standard in a new tab)