AGP Executive Report

Rasmale’ Deal: The Supreme Court registrar rejected a petition seeking to block the proposed $20 billion Eagle Hills project, saying it could not be filed directly with the court. The opposition is demanding disclosure of the agreement, while the housing minister says Israeli nationals and Israeli-controlled entities will be barred from owning property. Foreign Service: The Foreign Ministry denies reports Ambassador Ahmed Sareer was removed for refusing to join the ruling PNC, saying ambassadorial appointments follow legal procedures and foreign service employees cannot belong to political parties. Foreign Currency: The Maldives Monetary Authority has restricted the $1,000 overseas medical allowance to treatment trips to six countries, citing a sharp rise in dollar sales for medical purposes. Criminal Assets: Parliament sent a government bill on asset recovery to committee after approving it unanimously; the bill includes provisions for seizing and forfeiting assets linked to specified serious crimes. Economic Outlook: Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed says Moody’s upgrade of the Maldives’ credit rating to Caa1 has eased public fears of bankruptcy, following major debt repayments.

Rasmale’ Deal: An MDP lawmaker has asked Parliament to disclose the terms of Eagle Hills’ proposed $20 billion project, raising concerns over land and how reclamation costs would be recovered. The developer hopes to finalise the deal by November 11. Justice Reform: Parliament unanimously sent a government bill on criminal-asset forfeiture to committee. It would allow assets linked to 15 listed offences to be seized, including in some cases before conviction. Hajj Policy: The government guaranteed next year’s places for people over 70 who have waited at least three years and paid by the end of 2023. The Islamic minister said Saudi authorities have issued no official warning of danger to pilgrims. Public Finance: MIRA collected MVR 2.69 billion in September—12.7% above forecast but 10.7% below the same month last year. Appointments: A parliamentary committee advanced two nominees for MIRA deputy commissioner general to a floor vote. Foreign Relations: India’s $506 million credit line is now available for approved development projects; Pakistan says preparations are underway for President Muizzu’s visit.

Rasmale’ Deal: The MDP has asked Parliament to disclose the terms of Eagle Hills’ proposed $20 billion project and debate the agreement. The party alleges the deal could grant 500 hectares for 99 years without an acquisition fee; Eagle Hills hopes to finalize it by November 11. Criminal Assets: Parliament unanimously sent a government bill to committee that would allow forfeiture of proceeds from 15 categories of crime, including in some cases before conviction. MIRA Appointment: A parliamentary committee approved two nominees for deputy commissioner general of taxation to proceed to a floor vote; a third candidate was disqualified. Hajj Policy: The government guarantees next year’s Hajj slots to people aged over 70 who have waited at least three years and paid by December 31, 2023. Public Revenue: MIRA collected MVR 2.69 billion in September, 12.7% above forecast but 10.7% below the same month last year.

Tourism and Transport: Tourism Minister Mohamed Ameen says arrivals are on track to match last year’s 2.2 million, after an early 24% shortfall narrowed to 1.3%. A helicopter service, intended partly for medical evacuations, could begin soon under UK safety guidelines. Public Finance: MIRA collected MVR 2.69 billion in September, 12.7% above forecast but 10.7% below a year earlier; government revenue reached MVR 27.8 billion by September. Diplomacy: The Maldives condemned the deadly Houthi attack on Riyadh airport and said no Maldivians were affected. Pakistan and Maldivian foreign ministers also discussed preparations for President Muizzu’s upcoming visit. Governance: HRCM and the Civil Service Commission signed an agreement to strengthen staff training and integrate human rights into state institutions. Candidacy has opened for the vacant V. Thinadhoo Council presidency and the MDP’s national council elections. Mental Health: President Muizzu says the government is drafting a comprehensive Mental Health Act alongside a national policy and expanded services.

Foreign Relations: The Maldives condemned the Houthi attack on Riyadh airport, which killed at least 12 people and injured hundreds. Separately, Pakistan and Maldivian foreign ministers discussed preparations for President Muizzu’s planned visit; no date or agreements have been announced. Local Elections: Candidacy is open for the vacant V. Thinadhoo Council presidency ahead of a November 28 by-election. The seat fell vacant after the local authority ruled that councillor Shujau Ali lost it by switching parties. Party Politics: The MDP has opened applications for its national council elections, scheduled for November 27. Government Policy: Muizzu says work is underway on a comprehensive Mental Health Act, alongside a national policy and plans to expand services across the atolls. Public Services: STELCO has taken over electricity services in Addu and the northernmost atolls as the government phases out Fenaka’s role. Credit Rating: Moody’s upgraded the Maldives to Caa1 with a stable outlook, with debt repayments cited as a factor.

Regional Infrastructure: MTCC says F. Magoodhoo airport is nearing completion, while work on Makunudhoo has only just begun. Diplomacy: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Maldives Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam discussed preparations for President Mohamed Muizzu’s upcoming visit and pledged closer coordination. Mental Health Policy: Muizzu says the government is drafting a comprehensive Mental Health Act and national policy, alongside plans to expand services across the atolls. Opposition Politics: The MDP has opened applications for its national council elections, scheduled for November 27. Indian Ocean Security: India and the United States are exploring joint projects in ports, telecommunications and maritime security, including in the Maldives. Public Services: State utility STELCO has taken over electricity services in Addu and begun integrating operations in Haa Alifu Atoll as Fenaka’s responsibilities are transferred.

Mental Health Policy: President Mohamed Muizzu says the government is drafting a comprehensive Mental Health Act and national policy, alongside plans to expand services across the atolls. Party Politics: The MDP has opened candidacy for its November 27 national council elections, with applications due October 25. Rasmale’ Project: Eagle Hills chairman Mohamed Alabbar says the $20 billion development could create 40,000 construction jobs and up to 18,000 permanent jobs; he says the company must follow Maldivian law as debate continues over the proposed 99-year lease. Public Services: STELCO has taken over electricity services in Addu and Haa Alifu as the government phases out Fenaka’s role. Foreign Investment Rules: The government warns foreign-owned wholesale, retail and logistics businesses that fail to meet new investment requirements could face enforcement action. Online Payments: Muizzu says officials are working to ease transaction problems as dollar limits continue to frustrate online shoppers.

Foreign Investment: The government says foreign-owned wholesale, retail and logistics firms that missed the deadline to meet new investment rules will face enforcement. Authorities will also scrutinise share transfers to ensure Maldivian ownership is genuine. Rasmalé Project: Eagle Hills chairman Mohamed Alabbar says the developer will respect Maldivian law as debate continues over a proposed 99-year lease, including concerns about sovereignty and investor rights. Foreign Relations: The Trump administration is seeking closer engagement with smaller South Asian countries, including the Maldives, with trade, investment, energy and defence cooperation in focus. Public Services: President Mohamed Muizzu says officials are working “day and night” to address online payment problems, which BML has linked to high demand for US dollars. Migration: Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan says authorities are tracing about 800 foreigners whose identities remain unverified, using foreign governments and international databases, with a target to complete the operation by November 17. Youth Employment: The tourism and youth ministries have agreed to create apprenticeship opportunities to expand Maldivian participation in the tourism workforce.

Digital Payments: President Mohamed Muizzu says the government is working “day and night” to address online transaction problems, as Bank of Maldives’ foreign-currency limits continue to frustrate shoppers. Rasmale’ Project: Eagle Hills chairman Mohamed Alabbar says investors must obey Maldivian law, amid debate over a proposed 99-year lease of about 500 hectares. He says the company would initially finance 5,000 homes, but the final agreement is not signed. Public Finances: Moody’s upgraded the Maldives’ credit rating to Caa1 with a stable outlook, citing debt repayments and stronger foreign-exchange buffers. BML says it supplied customers with $722 million in foreign currency in the first nine months of the year. Immigration: Home Minister Ali Ihusaan says authorities are tracing about 800 unverified foreigners through overseas governments and databases, with the operation targeted for completion by November 17. Judicial Independence: Police have concluded a case against former Supreme Court Justice Azmiralda Zahir, saying criminal conduct is unlikely; her lawyers argue the investigation lacked grounds from the outset.

Migration Enforcement: Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan says authorities are tracing about 800 unverified foreigners through overseas governments and databases, aiming to complete the operation by November 17. New rules also bar foreign nationals from switching to a work visa after entering on another visa. Public Services: President Mohamed Muizzu has established government service centres in 18 atolls, excluding Addu and Fuvahmulah. Economic Outlook: Moody’s upgraded the Maldives’ rating to Caa1 with a stable outlook, citing major debt repayments and stronger foreign-exchange buffers. Opposition Politics: Former Vice President Faisal Naseem entered the MDP’s 2028 presidential primary, naming Malé Mayor Adam Azim as his running mate. Judicial Accountability: Police dropped the case against former Supreme Court judge Azmiralda Zahir after investigators found no basis for prosecution; her lawyers say the case underscores that her dismissal was political. Rasmale’ Development: Eagle Hills says it will initially finance 5,000 proposed homes, but the final government agreement has yet to be signed.

Government Services: President Mohamed Muizzu has established public-service centres in 18 atolls, excluding Addu and Fuvahmulah. Economy: Moody’s upgraded the Maldives’ credit rating from Caa2 to Caa1 with a stable outlook, citing lower near-term default risk after major debt repayments and stronger foreign-currency inflows. Immigration: New rules bar foreign nationals from taking jobs after entering on a non-work visa; the change took effect on September 15. Opposition Politics: Former Vice President Faisal Naseem has entered the MDP’s 2028 presidential primary, naming Malé Mayor Adam Azim as his running mate. Accountability: Prosecutors dropped the corruption probe against former Supreme Court judge Azmiralda Zahir, saying investigators found no evidence of a crime. Local Government: The LGA says atoll-branch costs explain its apparent overspending, as the branches’ expenses were not included in its original budget. Rasmalé: Eagle Hills chairman Mohamed Alabbar says Maldivian businesses can invest in and share profits from the planned development.

Political Challenge: Former President Abdulla Yameen told a PNF rally he sees no legal basis to imprison him, as he faces questions about his eligibility for the 2028 presidential race. He also accused President Muizzu’s administration of misleading the public. Housing: HDC says about half of Hulhumalé’s 12,000-plus housing tenants are not paying rent, despite rent reductions by the government. Tourism & Taxes: Tourism Goods and Services Tax revenue is down 1.4% year-on-year. Industry leaders are seeking broader consultation on tax and foreign-exchange rules; reports of a delay to the 17% tax on overseas travel firms remain unconfirmed by authorities. Public Accountability: An MDP lawmaker alleged some families earn MVR 2 million through political appointments, calling for scrutiny in debate on a criminal asset recovery bill. The government has dismissed the Parole Board after a drug convict’s release was found unlawful. India Ties: India says 765 Maldivians have completed ITEC training in five years, including staff from public agencies, police and the Elections Commission.

Public Housing: HDC says only about half of tenants in more than 12,000 Hulhumalé housing units are paying rent, renewing scrutiny of arrears and the management of social housing. Political Appointments: Opposition MP Ibrahim Nazil alleged some families earn nearly MVR 2 million from government posts and urged lawmakers to consider the issue as they review a criminal asset recovery bill. Justice and Oversight: The government has dismissed all Parole Board members after alleged drug kingpin Abdulla Ibrahim was released before meeting the legal threshold; he has been returned to prison. Asset Recovery: A bill before Parliament would allow the state to forfeit assets linked to specified crimes, including in some cases before conviction. Tourism Finances: TGST revenue is 1.4% lower than a year ago, while the government’s overall revenue has risen; UK travel bodies are still seeking formal confirmation that the 17% tax on overseas travel firms has been delayed.

Parliament & Governance: Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla told the IPU in Tanzania that good governance means listening to citizens, monitoring policy delivery, protecting public resources and using digital systems like eFaas to bring services closer to people. Justice & Corrections: The government dismissed all Parole Board members after alleged unlawful parole release of Addu drug kingpin Abucha, and authorities reimprisoned him. Prisons Reform: Draft amendments to the Prisons and Parole Act would let the Commissioner of Prisons transfer inmates to community service after court sentencing, alongside moves to strengthen parole rules. Tourism Policy Talks: Senior ministers met tourism leaders over tax and foreign-currency conversion concerns, aiming to hit 2027 arrival targets and agree on next steps with industry. Energy Diplomacy: Maldives and UAE discussed energy projects including grid modernization, battery storage, water production and renewables to cut diesel dependence. Foreign Service Oversight: MPs submitted questions on staffing and appointments in the Foreign Service and on arrangements tied to resident visa services. Digital Payments: Ooredoo said PayPal-linked mFaisaa use has topped 5,000 customers, expanding international payment access.

Energy & Utilities: Maldives and the UAE held talks on implementing energy projects, including modernising the electricity grid, smart systems, battery storage, water production for 40 islands, and expanding renewables. Justice & Crime: Addu drug kingpin Abucha was reimprisoned after being released on parole, despite having served only about five years of a life sentence. Anti-Corruption & Assets: The government submitted a bill for automatic forfeiture of criminal assets, allowing seizure even before conviction in defined cases. Parliament & Governance: MPs asked the Foreign Minister for details on staffing and appointments in the Foreign Service, and sought clarification on arrangements tied to resident visas. Tourism Policy: Senior officials met tourism leaders over tax and foreign-currency conversion concerns, aiming to boost arrivals and meet 2027 targets. Public Safety: Greater Male’ transport and police discussed traffic safety measures after accident and death toll concerns, with Hulhumale’ highlighted as a hotspot. Education: The Education Minister marked Teachers’ Day by stressing safer schools and mental health support for teachers and students. International Security: Former President Mohamed Nasheed said small states like the Maldives “need India” for safety and security in the Indian Ocean.

Rasmale’/Eagle Hills Fallout: MDP has moved an emergency motion in Parliament demanding full disclosure of the government’s Sept. 21 Eagle Hills deal, alleging irrecoverable state losses and corruption risks after public land reclamation and 99-year grants; Legal/Policy Response: Attorney General Ahmed Usham says a new real estate law being drafted is not project-specific, aiming to create a real estate industry separate from tourism; Tourism Policy: Maldives has reportedly postponed the 17% TGST on foreign travel agencies and offshore booking platforms until April 1, 2027 after industry lobbying; Governance & Accountability: ACC has sought money-laundering charges against Montilion International over the MMPRC scandal, including alleged MMPRC funds routed via cheques tied to SOF Private Limited; Foreign Service Staffing: Parliament has asked the Foreign Minister for details on staffing numbers and why outsiders were appointed to roles previously held by career diplomats; Public Safety: Greater Male’ Transport and Mobility Office and Police met to tackle Male’ traffic problems, citing accident concentration in Hulhumale’; Education: Education Minister said schools are being made safer and happier with stronger mental health support for teachers and students, while President pledged priority to teachers’ wellbeing.