AGP Executive Report

Parliament Showdown: The MDP has filed a no-confidence motion against Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed, accusing him of constitutional violations, mishandling the USD crunch, and failing to properly account for state spending amid port bottlenecks and rising inflation. Digital Government: President Muizzu says work has started on a Smart ID Card, aimed to roll out within 18 months and link identification with access to financial and other services under a broader “digital Maldives” push. Cross-Border Payments: Maldives’ Favara instant payment system has been integrated with India’s UPI, enabling real-time person-to-person transfers from Malé via Bank of Maldives and Maldives Islamic Bank, with expansion expected beyond remittances. Trade Boost with Türkiye: The Maldives–Türkiye Preferential Trade Agreement has entered into force, granting tariff concessions across 75 lines to expand market access, especially for Maldivian fisheries. Sovereignty Focus: President Muizzu reiterates plans to recover lost maritime territory through international legal channels, including a specialized commission to review how the previous administration handled ITLOS steps. Banking Leadership: Bank of Maldives CEO Mohamed Shareef appointed Chairman of the Asian Bankers Association, the first Maldivian to lead the body. Sports Administration: Kazi Salahuddin re-elected SAFF president unopposed for a fifth term as the SAFF Championship draw is set for today in Bhutan.

Maritime Sovereignty: President Dr. Muizzu says Maldives will pursue recovery of lost maritime territory in the southern waters through international legal channels, including a new commission to review how the previous administration handled the ITLOS case. Digital Economy: The Maldives Monetary Authority has gone live with the Favara–UPI cross-border payment corridor, enabling real-time person-to-person transfers from Maldives to India via Bank of Maldives and Maldives Islamic Bank, with funds sent in MVR and credited in INR. Banking Leadership: Bank of Maldives CEO Mohamed Shareef has been appointed Chairman of the Asian Bankers Association, becoming the first Maldivian to lead the regional body. Trade & Agriculture: APEDA facilitated the first air shipment of Karnataka’s Neelam and Totapuri mangoes to the Maldives, opening new late-season export opportunities for farmers and women-led exporters. Weather & Transport: Aviation expert Mohamed Firaq urges authorities to better weather-proof VIA’s terminal drop-off area after heavy rain caused delays and passenger frustration. Public Safety: MNDF Coast Guard continues searching for two missing people after a landing craft sank near Gaafaru, with eight survivors already transported to the island.

Cross-border Payments: Maldives’ instant payment system Favara has gone live with India’s UPI, enabling real-time person-to-person transfers from Maldives to UPI-enabled Indian bank accounts via Bank of Maldives and Maldives Islamic Bank, with transactions initiated in MVR (or USD) and credited instantly in INR; MMA says future phases will add QR merchant payments. Anti-Corruption & Governance: President Muizzu says stolen public assets can be recovered and points to an Asset Recovery Bill, while also pushing digitalisation to reduce corruption opportunities. Human Trafficking Push: Muizzu calls for vigilance against trafficking scams, citing Operation Kurangi and new national action planning under the Human Trafficking Prevention Act. Public Finance: Government debt repayments hit USD 596.6m in the first half of 2026, up sharply year-on-year, with a projected USD 836.6m for the full year. Weather & Transport: Met Office issues rough-sea and torrential rain warnings; MTCC says flooding on a newly upgraded road is due to unfinished pump-station works. Politics: Former President Yameen rejects claims of state-funded party operations, while MDP lawmaker Kudu demands clarity from MTDC over allegations of a below-market lease transfer for GDh. Maguhdhuvaa.

Anti-Corruption & Governance: President Muizzu says Maldives can recover public assets lost to corruption, pointing to an Asset Recovery Bill and tighter coordination between government, courts and the ACC. Cross-Border Payments: The Maldives Monetary Authority launched Favara–UPI instant transfers with Bank of Maldives and Maldives Islamic Bank, enabling P2P money to India via existing apps, with phased expansion planned. Human Trafficking Crackdown: On World Day Against Trafficking, Muizzu urged vigilance against scam-linked exploitation, citing Operation Kurangi and new national action steps. Public Finance: Government debt repayments hit USD 596.6m in the first half of 2026, with annual projections at USD 836.6m and June costs easing. Weather & Safety: Met Office warns of rough seas and torrential rain on Friday, issuing a yellow alert from Raa to Vaavu. Infrastructure Update: MTCC says flooding on Boduthakurufaanu Magu is due to unfinished pump-station works, with completion targeted before Aug 15. Political Tensions: Former President Yameen claims PNF is not run on state funds and accuses government of selective funding to media and parties. Human Rights Commission: Applications open for a vacant HRCM seat as Samaau Ahmed Najeeb’s term nears expiry. Regional Security: Maldives joined a Saudi-hosted Maritime Defense Alliance meeting focused on protecting Red Sea shipping routes. Economy & Trade Links: Maldives and Ethiopia signed an air services deal enabling direct connectivity and fifth-freedom access for Ethiopian Airlines.

Parliamentary Oversight: MDP lawmaker Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) has asked MTDC to clarify allegations that it plans to transfer the head lease of GDh. Maguhdhuvaa at below market value, including how any decision and valuation were made. Foreign Policy & Diplomacy: Sri Lanka’s trade minister urged closer economic cooperation with Maldives beyond traditional trade, pointing to last year’s USD 132m exports to the Maldives and identifying new sectors for growth. Opposition Politics: Mohamed Nasheed says the Maldives has “run out of dollars,” blaming the government for exhausting reserves and linking the higher dollar rate to rising inflation and unaffordable essentials. Economy & Finance: Bank of Maldives reported MVR 1.3m net profit after tax for H1 2026 (+21%) and said it sold over USD 478m in foreign currency support in the first half. Tourism Promotion: Visit Maldives’ month-long digital campaign generated 160m impressions, 22m video views and 600,000 website sessions. Public Safety: Police reported a crash on the Sinamalé Bridge–VIA road injuring a motorcyclist; an investigation is underway. Weather: Maldives Meteorological Service issued a yellow alert for torrential rain from Raa to Vaavu until 4:00pm Thursday, with rough seas. Governance Appointments: Mariyam Nazleena was appointed to IDS’s accounting and finance board. Infrastructure & Transport: President Muizzu said finger jetties will be built near Izzuddin Jetty to ease speedboat congestion.

Immigration Crackdown: Maldives Immigration detained 20 undocumented expatriates during an enforcement operation at Hulhumalé Rashu Market, inspecting 55 people and launching further work-permit checks and deportation steps, alongside a new public reporting tool called Immigration Watch. Foreign Policy & Regional Politics: President Muizzu’s Independence Day comments on Israel sparked a sharp reply from MDP leader Mohamed Nasheed, who questioned the intent behind the remarks and urged careful scrutiny of the government’s foreign policy. SAARC Revival Push: India responded to Maldives’ call to revive SAARC by saying cooperation needs “goodwill” and that everyone in South Asia knows what is “stymieing” the bloc, following Muizzu’s appeal for dialogue. New Legal Framework: The government submitted a Lagoons and Uninhabited Islands Lease Bill to replace the Uninhabited Islands Act, expanding how lagoons and islands can be designated and leased for tourism, fisheries, industry, and development. Tourism & Economy: Maldives reported 1.22M+ tourists so far this year, citing a rebound after airlines resumed services; STO also posted USD 18.2M net profit in Q2, up 71%, as revenue rose with higher global oil prices. Bilateral Security: Maldives and Australia agreed to work toward a formal partnership covering defense, security, trade, climate action, and maritime cooperation after talks in Malé. Public Order: Police arrested two foreigners in Malé for allegedly selling liquor, seizing 17 bottles and handing them to Immigration for action.

SAARC Revival Clash: Maldives President Muizzu renewed calls to revive SAARC, but India’s MEA spokesperson said “everyone knows” which country is “stymieing” cooperation—without naming Pakistan—while stressing goodwill is needed for regional dialogue. Diplomatic Appointments: President Muizzu nominated Ambassador Thoriq Ibrahim as Maldives’ Permanent Representative to IRENA, pending parliamentary approval. Tourism & Connectivity: Maldives welcomed 1.22m tourists so far this year (down 4.5% year-on-year), with recovery linked to airlines resuming services; MACL also opened a new passenger lounge and children’s play area at Velana. Public Health & Policy: Maldives launched a national tobacco control award to boost community-led quitting efforts, and World Hepatitis Day coverage reiterated that political will—not just tools—is key to ending hepatitis and AIDS by 2030. Security & Law: Police arrested two foreigners in Malé for allegedly selling liquor; Maldives also condemned drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities and voiced solidarity with Riyadh. Regional Trade Talks: Bangladesh and Maldives discussed direct water transport and a shipping link to boost trade and connectivity.

Diplomacy & Regional Politics: India pushed back on Maldives President Muizzu’s push to revive SAARC, saying “everyone in South Asia” knows who is “stymieing” cooperation and that goodwill is required. Foreign Relations: Muizzu nominated Ambassador Thoriq Ibrahim to become the Maldives’ Permanent Representative to IRENA, pending parliamentary approval. Security & Foreign Policy: Maldives condemned attempted drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities, reiterating solidarity with Riyadh and support for measures to protect sovereignty. Tourism & Economy: Despite early-year disruptions, Maldives welcomed 1,229,419 tourists so far in 2026, with arrivals starting to rebound as air connectivity improves. Aviation & Public Services: MACL opened a new passenger rest and service area at Velana Terminal 1, adding seating, a children’s play zone, and new banking services. Public Health: World Hepatitis Day coverage highlights that Maldives achieved triple elimination of mother-to-child HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B—while stressing political will and delivery systems. Law & Order: Police arrested two foreigners in Malé for allegedly selling liquor, seizing 17 bottles and handing the case to immigration for action. Maritime Defence: Australia’s donated patrol vessel “Imaadhuddin” was commissioned into service for MNDF EEZ protection. Health Policy: Muizzu announced a national tobacco control award to recognize efforts to help smokers quit, as the country moves toward a smoke-free generation.

Maritime Security: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated the Maldives National Defence Force Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Vilimalé, backed by UNODC coordination and Australian support, to strengthen search-and-rescue coordination for the Maldives’ maritime and aeronautical regions. Defence & EEZ: Australia- donated patrol vessel Imaadhuddin was commissioned into service after crew training and a long delivery voyage, adding new capability to MNDF operations. Public Health Policy: Maldives launched a National Tobacco Control Award to recognize individuals and civil society helping smokers quit, as part of efforts to curb youth tobacco use. Immigration Rule: Maldives’ immigration portal states entry on Israeli passports will not be granted from 15 April 2025, marking the only explicitly excluded nationality in its otherwise visa-on-arrival tourist policy. Foreign Relations (Trade/Connectivity): Bangladesh and Maldives held talks in Malé on a direct shipping link to boost trade and connectivity, alongside cooperation on labour, tourism, health, and the blue economy. Regional Diplomacy: President Muizzu renewed calls to revive SAARC, urging dialogue to resolve differences and offering Maldives as a mediator. Bilateral Ties: Bangladesh FM Khalilur Rahman visited Malé, reaffirming cooperation across health, education, trade, tourism and regional forums.

Maritime Security Upgrade: President Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated the Maldives National Defence Force Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Vilimalé, backed by UNODC coordination and Australian support, to strengthen search-and-rescue coordination for maritime and aviation incidents. Defence Fleet Expansion: Australia- donated patrol vessel Imaadhuddin was commissioned into service after three months of MNDF training and a 14-day delivery voyage from Australia. Regional Diplomacy: On Independence Day, Muizzu renewed calls to revive SAARC, urging member states to end differences through dialogue and offering the Maldives as a mediator to restart stalled talks. Bangladesh Ties Deepen: Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman met Maldives FM Iruthisham Adam in Malé to discuss a direct shipping link and broader cooperation across migration, workers’ rights, tourism, health, blue economy and maritime connectivity. Independence Day Outreach: Prince Mansour represented Saudi leadership at the Maldives’ 61st Independence Day celebrations, meeting President Muizzu and conveying congratulations from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

SAARC Revival Push: President Mohamed Muizzu used the 61st Independence Day platform to urge South Asian states to restart dialogue and revive SAARC after years of inactivity, saying the Maldives is ready to mediate and help bridge differences for regional peace and development. Independence Day Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman attended the Independence Day parade in Malé as a special guest, with tree-planting under the “Five Million Trees Project” also featuring in the programme. Bangladesh Ties Deepen: Maldives and Bangladesh reaffirmed plans to expand cooperation, including multilateral coordination and people-to-people links, while talks also floated a direct shipping link to boost trade and maritime connectivity. Anti-Bullying Law Drive: Muizzu said the government is seeking foreign legal expertise to draft legislation that would criminalize bullying, alongside stronger mental health support measures. SDF Funding Update: Deposits into the Sovereign Development Fund reached MVR 1.2 billion this year, with debt servicing spending rising sharply as the government steps up repayments. Regional Security/Travel: Reports also highlighted a case of a Bangladeshi national arrested in Mumbai over an alleged forged Indian passport, after prior travel including to the Maldives.

Independence Day Diplomacy: President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu defended the Maldives’ “Maldives First” foreign policy, saying the state keeps ties with all countries except Israel and will stay aligned with the Palestinian cause, while also pointing to a shift from prior MDP-led approaches. Crime, Corruption & Democracy: In his Independence Day remarks, Muizzu said the administration has moved away from “political retribution” and is making progress on drug abuse, gang-related crime, undocumented expatriates, and democratic reforms. Anti-Bullying Law: The President said the Attorney General’s Office is drafting legislation to criminalize bullying, with reporting rules, enforcement provisions, and anti-bullying education in schools, alongside expanded mental health support. Youth & Sports Focus: In a government podcast, Muizzu reiterated youth empowerment through education, jobs, entrepreneurship, and sports infrastructure, with mental well-being measures and youth loan programmes. Bangladesh Ties: Bangladesh FM Dr Khalilur Rahman visited Malé as a special guest for Independence Day, meeting Muizzu and Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam and signaling deeper cooperation in multilateral work, education, and people-to-people links. Regional Cooperation: Maldives and India signed MoUs to equip Fitness and Recreation Centres on 42 islands, while India’s High Commissioner held talks on development financing and tourism cooperation. Public Safety & Health: Maldives introduced nucleic acid testing (NAT) to strengthen blood transfusion safety, and enacted the first organ transplant law banning prisoner organ donations. Cyber & Scams: SPF and the FBI signed an MOU to deepen cooperation against online scams and cyber fraud, building on a joint operation that prevented millions in losses.

Independence Day Diplomacy: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu used the 61st Independence Day moment to reaffirm Maldives’ solidarity within the OIC on its 50th anniversary, while also welcoming Bangladesh FM Dr Khalilur Rahman for talks on multilateral cooperation, education and people-to-people ties, and hosting Saudi Prince Dr Mansour bin Mutaib Al Saud as guest of honour. Domestic Law & Social Policy: Muizzu said the government is drafting legislation to criminalize bullying, alongside moves to expand mental health support and helplines. Public Finance: Sovereign Development Fund deposits reached MVR 1.2 billion this year, up 9%, as debt servicing ramps up. Health System Upgrade: Maldives introduced nucleic acid testing to strengthen blood transfusion safety. Governance & Oversight: The Maldives enacted its first Human Organ Transplant Act, banning prisoner organ donations and setting up new oversight bodies. Regional/International Watch: Turkmenistan’s ambassador presented credentials and discussed deeper cooperation, including transport, communications and tourism.

Independence Day diplomacy: Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu hosted an evening tea for Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, who arrived in Malé as a special guest for the 61st Independence Day celebrations, with both sides reaffirming plans to deepen cooperation on multilateral affairs, education and people-to-people exchanges. Bilateral talks: Dr Khalilur is set for a courtesy call with President Muizzu and meetings with Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam, while Maldives also hosted Saudi Prince Dr Mansour bin Mutaib Al Saud for the Independence Day guest-of-honour programme, where Muizzu thanked Saudi Arabia for support including the Makkah Route Initiative. Foreign policy outreach: Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam held a diplomatic outreach event inviting international partners to invest and innovate under the “Maldives First” foreign policy. Anti-bullying law push: President Muizzu said the Attorney General’s Office is drafting legislation to criminalize bullying, with reporting, enforcement and anti-bullying education in schools, alongside expanded mental health support. Public finance update: Sovereign Development Fund deposits reached MVR 1.2 billion this year, up 9%, as debt servicing rose sharply and the government used the fund to repay a USD 500 million loan. Regional cooperation: Maldives and Bangladesh also moved to strengthen defence diplomacy and military cooperation through professional education, maritime security and disaster response. Health policy: Maldives introduced nucleic acid testing (NAT) to improve blood transfusion safety by detecting infections earlier.

Youth & Sports Agenda: President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu used The Pulse podcast to reaffirm youth empowerment as a top government priority, pointing to education, jobs, entrepreneurship loan schemes, mental health support, and sports infrastructure projects due by early 2028. Tourism & Business Travel: The Maldives Visitor Survey says India is the biggest source of business travellers, with 55% of Indian arrivals coming for work; the US follows at 49%, while professionals and entrepreneurs make up 58% of visitors. Health Policy: Maldives introduced nucleic acid testing (NAT) to strengthen blood transfusion safety by detecting HIV and hepatitis earlier, cutting the “window period” and aligning services with international standards. Organ Transplant Law: The Maldives enacted its first Human Organ Transplant Act, banning prisoners from donating organs and setting up an Organ Transplant Council and authorization committee with oversight and penalties. Independence Day Culture: Kandima Maldives launched an on-island “Art for Biodiversity” exhibition for Independence Day, backed by UNDP and featuring 20+ artists focused on conservation and ocean ecology. Diplomacy: Maldives received Qatar’s ambassador credentials and also met Qatar’s envoy; separately, Turkmenistan’s ambassador presented credentials, with both sides stressing expanded cooperation. Regional Defence Ties: Bangladesh and the Maldives reaffirmed plans to deepen defence diplomacy, training, maritime security, and disaster response.

Youth & Economy: President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu says youth empowerment stays central to government policy, pointing to education, jobs, entrepreneurship and sports projects, plus mental health support and loan schemes to back young entrepreneurs, with a goal of lifting the creative economy to at least 15% of GDP by 2030. Tourism & Mobility: Maldives Visitor Survey reports India as the top source of business travellers, with 55% of Indian arrivals coming for business; the U.S. follows at 49%, while professionals and private business owners make up 58% of visitors. Health Policy: Maldives introduced nucleic acid testing (NAT) to strengthen blood transfusion safety by detecting HIV and hepatitis B/C earlier, supporting the Thalassaemia Master Plan 2024–2034. Diplomacy (Qatar): Maldives President and Foreign Minister met Qatar’s ambassador, reviewing cooperation ties. Regional Defence: Bangladesh and Maldives reaffirmed defence diplomacy, military education, maritime security and disaster response cooperation. International Spotlight (SCO): Russia says SCO will merge dialogue partners and observers into a single partner status, listing Maldives among those set to be reclassified. Aviation/Connectivity: beOnd plans to serve London Heathrow via a Saudi stopover after signing an MOU with Saudi Arabia’s Air Connectivity Program for premium Red Sea routes to major European cities. Public Health Alert (Mosquito-borne): Hong Kong health authorities report dengue risk linked to summer conditions, noting a dengue case linked to travel to Maldives during the incubation period.