Food Security: President Mohamed Muizzu says boosting local farming and reducing import dependence are vital to protect the Maldives from price swings and supply disruptions. The first nursery under the five-million-tree project has opened in S. Meedhoo. State Companies: STELCO chief Ali Azwar will lead Fenaka on an acting basis as the government moves to merge it with STELCO; MTCC chief Ahmed Saudee has similarly taken over RDC ahead of its planned merger with MTCC. Pakistan Visit: Muizzu is due in Islamabad on October 20 for the first Maldivian presidential visit in a decade, with talks expected on health, trade and direct flights. Fishermen Detained: The Maldives has detained 25 Tamil Nadu fishermen and seized three boats; India says it will seek their release through due process. Public Finances: Subsidy spending has reached MVR 4.26 billion, exceeding the annual budget by MVR 1.37 billion. Rasmale’ Deal: The MDP is demanding full disclosure of the Eagle Hills agreement and a public referendum on the proposed development. Marine Conservation: CROSSROADS Maldives’ 1.71-square-kilometre marine zone has received official conservation recognition, the largest such area in the country.
AGP Executive Report
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Pakistan Visit: President Mohamed Muizzu is due in Pakistan from October 20–22, his first visit in more than a decade. The two sides are expected to discuss trade and regional ties and sign agreements, including on health and education. Sovereignty & Investment: The government says it will not allow foreign surveillance or operational control over Maldivian territory. New investment rules also require at least 25% Maldivian ownership in several sectors, with some activities reserved for locals. Economy: Official reserves fell 14.9% in September to USD 547 million, while state spending rose 18.3% to nearly MVR 36 billion. Tourism tax revenue was down 1.5% year-on-year. Fisheries: The Coast Guard detained 25 Indian fishermen and three boats over suspected fishing in Maldivian waters; their families are appealing for their release. Climate & Health: The Met Office says sea temperatures hit their highest level of 2026 in September as El Niño strengthened. The Health Protection Agency has launched a public HIV-awareness survey; 22 new cases had been reported this year as of September 30. Security: Two Maldivian pilots have been detained in the UAE as an investigation into an alleged attempted Flydubai cockpit attack widens.
Sovereignty: The government says no Maldivian territory or maritime authority will be handed to foreign surveillance initiatives, amid reports of unauthorised vessels near Malé. Pakistan Visit: President Mohamed Muizzu is due in Pakistan on October 20–22, his first visit in more than a decade; talks are expected to cover regional ties and a proposed medical college and teaching hospital in Hulhumalé. Investment Rules: New rules require at least 25% Maldivian ownership in several foreign-backed sectors, while some activities are reserved for locals. The changes come as scholars and opposition figures raise concerns about the proposed $20 billion Rasmale’ project. Public Finances: State spending reached nearly MVR 36 billion by October 8, up 18% year on year, while tourism tax revenue fell 1.5%. India has reportedly agreed to extend a $320 million currency swap facility for three months. Accountability: Parliament’s Judiciary Committee will investigate the Parole Board’s decision to release convicted drug trafficker Abucha, who was returned to prison after public outcry. Fisheries: Maldivian authorities detained 25 Indian fishermen and seized three boats in the Maldives’ EEZ; their families are appealing for their release.
Maritime Security: The MNDF seized three foreign fishing vessels suspected of operating illegally in Maldivian waters, while the Coast Guard detained 25 Indian fishermen and three boats for alleged boundary violations; their families are seeking India’s intervention. Economy: The government is seeking foreign assistance as fuel costs rise and tourism revenue weakens. The 2026 budget deficit could reach 9%, with growth projected as low as 1%; September US-dollar revenue fell 15.6% year-on-year. Rasmale’: Religious scholars have raised concerns about the mega-project’s potential effects on sovereignty, culture and the country’s Islamic identity, asking the Islamic Affairs Minister to relay their concerns to the President. Overseas Investigation: Reports say two Maldivian flydubai pilots are in UAE custody as investigators examine a September cockpit attack. Authorities have not publicly detailed allegations against them or confirmed their suspected links. Fisheries: MIFCO has raised skipjack tuna purchase prices to as much as MVR 22.75 per kilogram, depending on catch size.
Flydubai Investigation: Two Maldivian pilots have reportedly been detained in the UAE over alleged links to a co-pilot accused of trying to hijack a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight. Authorities have not confirmed the arrests or detailed the allegations. Rasmale’ Project: The Supreme Court registrar rejected a petition seeking to block the proposed $20 billion Eagle Hills development, while the opposition is demanding disclosure of the deal. The housing minister says Israeli nationals and Israeli-controlled entities will not be allowed to own property there. Foreign Currency: MIRA’s US dollar revenue fell 15.6% year-on-year in September to $126.81 million, though collections for the first nine months remain above last year’s level. The MMA has limited the $1,000 medical travel allowance to six destinations after dollar sales for treatment nearly tripled. Hajj Access: Pilgrims aged over 70 who have waited at least three years are guaranteed a place next year; those over 65 may bring one family member who is also on the waiting list. Public Safety: Three Bangladeshi nationals were remanded after police seized 824 bottles of alcohol in a Male’ crackdown.
Heritage: The Maldives has completed UNESCO’s assessment of seven historic coral stone mosques; a decision on World Heritage status is expected in late 2027. Youth Health: New studies point to serious concerns: mental health problems are most prevalent among Grades 10–12, while 28% of surveyed MNU students reported using e-cigarettes. Hajj: All applicants aged over 70 who have waited at least three years and paid by the end of 2023 are guaranteed a place next year, the Islamic Minister says. Foreign Currency: Dollars sold for Maldivians’ overseas medical treatment reached USD 41.1 million by September, up from USD 18.51 million the previous year, raising questions about the sharp rise. Rasmale’ Project: The opposition MDP is seeking disclosure of the terms of Eagle Hills’ proposed USD 20 billion development, citing public concerns over the deal. Tourism and Finance: Velana International Airport is nominated for two World Travel Awards, while Bank of Maldives has made Forbes’ global ranking of top-performing banks.
Public Safety: A 5.2 earthquake struck about 1,245km from Addu City, but the Met Office said it poses no danger to the Maldives. Police arrested three people and seized a large quantity of alcohol in a raid targeting an illegal distribution network in Malé. Rasmale’ Deal: The MDP has asked Parliament to disclose the terms of Eagle Hills’ proposed $20 billion project, citing public concerns over the agreement. The developer hopes to finalise the deal by Republic Day on November 11. Hajj: All applicants aged over 70 who have waited at least three years and paid by December 31, 2023, are guaranteed a place next year, the Islamic Minister said. He added that no official warning has been issued about risks to Maldivian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. Tourism and Travel: The Tourism Minister says arrivals could match last year’s 2.2 million after the earlier shortfall narrowed to 1.3%; he also expects a helicopter service to launch soon. Velana International Airport has been nominated for two World Travel Awards, including the world’s leading airport. Public Finance: MIRA collected MVR 2.69 billion in September, 10.7% below the same month last year but above forecast. Parliament has also sent a criminal asset recovery bill to committee for review.
Tourism and Transport: Tourism Minister Mohamed Ameen says arrivals could match last year’s 2.2 million, after the shortfall narrowed from 24% to 1.3%. A helicopter service, intended in part for medical evacuations, could launch soon under new safety guidelines. Public Finance: MIRA collected MVR 2.69 billion in September — 12.7% above forecast but 10.7% below the same month last year, partly because of a one-off payment in 2025. Atoll Services: Magoodhoo Airport is expected to be the first of the airports under development to finish, while a community mental wellbeing centre has opened in Kulhudhuffushi. Diplomacy: The Maldives condemned the deadly attack on Riyadh airport and said no Maldivians were affected. Pakistan and the Maldives are also preparing for President Mohamed Muizzu’s forthcoming visit. Civil Service: HRCM and the Civil Service Commission signed an agreement for joint training and technical cooperation to strengthen staff capacity and human rights awareness.
Foreign Affairs: The Maldives condemned the Houthi attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, which killed at least 12 people and wounded hundreds. Foreign ministers from the Maldives and Pakistan also discussed preparations for President Mohamed Muizzu’s upcoming visit to Pakistan; no date has been announced. Mental Health: A community wellbeing centre has opened in Kulhudhuffushi, while President Muizzu says the government is drafting a comprehensive Mental Health Act and expanding services nationwide. Infrastructure: MTCC says F. Magoodhoo Airport is progressing rapidly and is expected to be the first of the current airport projects to finish. STELCO has also taken over electricity services in Addu and Haa Alifu Atoll as Fenaka’s operations are transferred. Economy: Moody’s upgraded the Maldives’ credit rating to Caa1 with a stable outlook, citing improved debt repayment prospects. Tourism: The Maldives won 36 South Asian Travel Awards, adding to a strong run of international recognition for the country’s resorts and tourism businesses.
Regional Links: Pakistan’s foreign minister spoke with Maldives Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam about President Muizzu’s upcoming visit. Separately, India and the US are exploring cooperation on ports, maritime security and digital infrastructure in the Indian Ocean, including the Maldives. Island Development: MTCC says Magoodhoo airport is nearing completion, while work at Makunudhoo has only just begun. STELCO has also taken over electricity services in Addu and Haa Alifu Atoll as Fenaka’s operations are transferred. Health and Safety: President Muizzu says a comprehensive Mental Health Act is being drafted, with plans to expand care nationwide. MFDA trained 34 food producers in safe handling and hygiene. Economy: Moody’s upgraded the Maldives’ credit rating to Caa1 with a stable outlook. Eagle Hills says its proposed Rasmale’ project could create 15,000–18,000 permanent jobs. Travel and Tragedy: Hajj Corporation plans direct Gan–Jeddah flights for southern pilgrims during Ramadan. Autopsies confirmed that the Italian divers who died in a Maldives cave ran out of air.
Mental Health: President Mohamed Muizzu says the government is drafting a comprehensive Mental Health Act and national policy, while expanding care through primary health services and telehealth. Island Utilities: STELCO has taken over electricity services in Addu and Haa Alifu as Fenaka’s responsibilities are phased out; officials are assessing infrastructure and service needs. Pilgrimage Travel: Hajj Corporation plans direct Gan–Jeddah flights from February 20 for the final 15 days of Ramadan, making the journey easier for pilgrims from the south. Rasmale’ Jobs: Eagle Hills chairman Mohamed Alabbar says the proposed $20 billion project could create about 40,000 construction jobs and 15,000–18,000 permanent roles. Foreign Exchange: Bank of Maldives says it supplied customers with $722 million in foreign currency in the first nine months of 2026, nearly matching its full-year total for 2025, as demand for dollars rises. Healthcare Access: EyeCare Hospital will host visiting eye specialists from India on October 11–15, with Aasandha coverage available for consultations. Addu Heritage: The Addu Culinary Festival is celebrating local dishes and food traditions through chef demonstrations, competitions and school activities.
Banking and Foreign Currency: Bank of Maldives processed USD 2.86 billion in international transactions in the first nine months of 2026 and supplied customers with USD 722 million, as demand for dollars remains high. Judicial Accountability: MDP MP Mohamed Ibrahim says the Judicial Service Commission must answer for the dismissal and alleged reputational damage of three former Supreme Court judges. Tourism Links: Vietjet plans to launch three weekly Ho Chi Minh City–Malé flights via Colombo from December 5, opening another route for travellers from Sri Lanka and Vietnam. Tourism Awards: The Maldives won 36 South Asian Travel Awards, while Kandooma Maldives was named Leading Family Resort. Youth Employment: The tourism and youth ministries signed an agreement to create apprenticeship opportunities in the tourism sector. Diving Tragedy: Autopsies found that five Italian divers who died in a Vaavu Atoll cave in May ran out of oxygen; the circumstances remain under investigation.
Online Payments: President Mohamed Muizzu says work is underway to resolve limits on online purchases, including transactions on platforms such as Temu, after public complaints. Banking and Economy: Bank of Maldives reported a record MVR 1.93 billion profit for the first nine months of 2026 and disbursed MVR 12.1 billion in new loans. Moody’s upgraded the Maldives’ credit rating to Caa1, citing debt repayments and stronger foreign-currency buffers. Rasmalé Project: Eagle Hills chairman Mohamed Alabbar says the developer will respect Maldivian laws, as debate continues over the proposed 99-year lease; he says the company will initially fund 5,000 housing units. Tourism and Jobs: The Maldives won 36 South Asian Travel Awards, while tourism and youth ministries signed an agreement to expand apprenticeships and employment pathways for young people. Diving Tragedy: Autopsies confirmed that five Italian divers who died in a Vaavu Atoll cave in May ran out of oxygen; investigators have yet to explain why the group became trapped.
Credit Rating: Moody’s upgraded the Maldives to Caa1 from Caa2 with a stable outlook, citing major debt repayments and stronger foreign-exchange buffers. Banking and Economy: Bank of Maldives reported a record MVR 1.93 billion profit for the first nine months of 2026 and provided customers with USD 722 million in foreign currency; it expects inflows to rise as tourism’s peak season approaches. Tourism and Jobs: The tourism and youth ministries signed an apprenticeship agreement to expand career pathways for Maldivians, while the country took home 36 South Asian Travel Awards. Rasmale’ Development: Eagle Hills says it will initially finance 5,000 proposed homes, an investment of about USD 500 million, though the final agreement is still pending. Public Services: Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan says authorities are tracing about 800 unverified foreign workers through overseas governments and databases; a passport backlog of more than 2,500 applications is expected to clear within five days of new booklets arriving. Road Safety: Police say the unlicensed driver charged in a fatal Malé crash was intoxicated; a 26-year-old woman died five days after the collision. Global Recognition: Veligandu Island Beach ranked first in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 list of the world’s top beaches.
Economy: Moody’s upgraded the Maldives’ credit rating to Caa1 from Caa2, with a stable outlook, citing lower near-term default risk after major debt repayments and stronger foreign-exchange inflows. Workforce: New visa rules bar foreign nationals from switching to a work visa after entering on another visa; workers must secure the correct visa before taking up employment. Rasmale’: Eagle Hills chairman Mohamed Alabbar says Maldivian businesses and investors can share in the project, which he says will create jobs, housing and tourism opportunities. Tourism: Maldivian resorts claimed 20 of 25 places in Condé Nast Traveller’s Indian Ocean rankings, with JOALI Maldives taking first place. Public safety: Two people were injured when a speedboat collided with a boat off Vilimale’; police are investigating. Health: First Lady Sajidha Mohamed urged women to seek medical advice promptly, stressing that early breast-cancer detection can improve treatment prospects. Transport: National carrier Maldivian launched Journey+, offering optional services including priority check-in, extra baggage and lounge access.
Tourism: Maldivian has launched Journey+, offering passengers paid options including priority check-in, extra baggage, lounge access and upgrades. The Maldives also claimed 20 of 25 places in Condé Nast Traveller’s Indian Ocean resort rankings, with JOALI Maldives at No. 1. Safety: Two people were injured when a speedboat and another boat collided off Vilimale’. Separately, police recorded 35 road accidents in the first week under the tougher Land Transport Act and took action against 653 people. Housing: HDC says only about half of tenants in Hulhumalé’s social housing units are paying rent, despite reduced rents under the current government. Economy: Tourism Goods and Services Tax revenue was down 1.4% year-on-year as of October 1, even as overall state revenue rose. Regional ties: Bangladesh has called for stronger tourism and fisheries cooperation with the Maldives, highlighting opportunities to promote sustainable tuna and expand trade. Environment: Dhiraagu and Soneva Conservation and Sustainability Maldives will train Dharavandhoo residents in coral restoration and establish a community nursery.
Road Safety: Police recorded 35 crashes in the first week of tougher traffic laws, penalising 653 people and towing 183 vehicles. Four of five people hurt in a Hulhumalé motorcycle crash remain in serious condition; police say the bike may have been stolen. Housing: HDC says about half of tenants in more than 12,000 Hulhumalé units are not paying rent. Public Finance: Tourism GST revenue is down 1.4% year on year, while state expenditure has risen 18.2%. The UK travel trade says a reported delay to the 17% tax on overseas agents would be welcome, but awaits official confirmation. Tourism and Connectivity: VietJet plans three weekly Ho Chi Minh City–Malé flights from December 5; Air France-KLM will add two weekly cargo services to Malé this winter. Community: Dhiraagu and Soneva will train Dharavandhoo residents in coral restoration. Overseas: A 22-year-old Maldivian student was killed in a Malaysian crash; the e-hailing driver tested positive for methamphetamine.
Tourism & Policy: Senior officials met tourism leaders over concerns about new tourism tax and foreign-currency conversion rules, with targets for 2027 and ways to boost arrivals discussed. Governance & Services: The Majlis Speaker told the IPU in Tanzania that real governance means monitoring implementation and using digital systems like eFaas, which now serves 17 agencies for about 272,000 registered users. Justice & Public Safety: The Parole Board was dismissed after alleged Addu drug kingpin Abucha was reimprisoned following an unlawful parole decision. Prisons Law Update: Amendments to the Prisons and Parole Act are being drafted to let the Commissioner of Prisons transfer inmates to community service after sentencing. Immigration: Passport services are expected to return to normal next week after delays in new stock arrivals. Crime Prevention: Police warned the public about scams impersonating the Maldives Police and asking for OTPs or bank details. Energy Cooperation: Maldives and UAE discussed grid modernization, battery storage, renewables, water production for 40 islands, and waste-to-energy plans. Community & Culture: Swim Maldives’ first Odin Rashah open-water event drew 25 teams and 50 swimmers, with the next stop set for Nov 27 in K. Guraidhoo.
Immigration & Travel Services: Maldives Immigration says passport services should return to normal next week after stock delays and an earlier Sept 27 deadline. Public Safety: Police warn of scams using fake Maldives Police accounts on messaging apps, urging people not to share OTPs or bank details and to block/report suspicious foreign-number calls. Energy Cooperation: Maldives and UAE discussed energy projects including grid modernization, smart systems, battery storage, water production for 40 islands, and more renewables. Crime & Justice: Addu drug kingpin Abucha was reimprisoned after being released on parole despite serving only about five years of a life sentence. Tourism Policy: Senior officials met tourism leaders over tax and foreign-currency conversion changes affecting resorts, including a new requirement to convert 40% of foreign earnings via domestic banks. Digital Payments: Ooredoo says 5,000+ customers now link PayPal with mFaisaa, receiving funds into a USD pocket and transferring back without extra Ooredoo fees. Law Reform: Parliament received a bill for automatic forfeiture of criminal assets, including provisions allowing seizure even before conviction in exceptional cases. Community & Welfare: Atmosphere Foundation graduated its second “Zero to Divemaster” batch, bringing trained Maldivians in the programme to 20. Sports & Culture: Maldives hosted talks with tourism leaders amid tax/FX concerns, while regional coverage also highlighted Maldives-linked diplomacy and security discussions.
Security & Justice: Police launched an investigation into alleged sexual abuse of a boy under 18 on an island in the North Police Division, urging the public and media not to identify the victim. Anti-Corruption: The Anti-Corruption Commission has sent a case to the Prosecutor General seeking money laundering charges against Montilion International over the MMPRC graft scandal, including funds linked to cheques and former VP Ahmed Adeeb. Drugs & Courts: Addu drug trafficker Abucha was released on parole after serving part of a 25-year sentence. Governance & Economy: Parliament resumed and the MDP moved an emergency motion demanding details of the UAE’s Eagle Hills Rasmale’ deal; the Attorney General said a new real estate law is meant for a broader industry, not one project. Transport & Safety: The Mobility Office and Police met to tackle Greater Male’ traffic problems, citing Hulhumale’ as a hotspot for accidents. Education: Teachers’ Day saw calls for safer schools and stronger mental health support, plus fuel vouchers for teachers. Tourism & Policy: Maldives tourism arrivals missed Sri Lanka’s September record by just 414, while Maldives continues pushing for India-linked safety and security cooperation. Travel Services: Maldivian launched Journey+ optional services for more flexible travel.
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