AGP Executive Report

Israeli Entry Ban: President Mohamed Muizzu’s government is seeking to make the existing ban on Israeli passport holders indefinite. A separate bill would restrict Israeli property investment, including by some dual nationals. Tourism and the Economy: The government says new foreign-currency conversion rules will help ease dollar shortages, while a state-owned company plans to develop 10 resorts within three years. Ras Malé Development: A proposed real-estate law would create a regulator and protections for property buyers as the government prepares a major project on 500 hectares of Ras Malé. Climate and Flooding: Muizzu is attending COP31 in Türkiye as severe flooding in Kolamaafushi has affected 85% of homes, with further heavy rain warnings issued. Tourist Safety: A British woman died while snorkelling during an anniversary holiday in the Maldives; her husband said conditions appeared calm.

Foreign Policy: President Mohamed Muizzu has proposed making the ban on Israeli passport holders permanent, removing its link to the course of the Gaza conflict. Economy: Muizzu says new foreign-exchange rules will help ease the dollar shortage, while reported Bank of Maldives payment reversals for Russian tour operators are raising concerns across the tourism industry. Ras Malé: A new real estate bill would establish a regulator and protections for property buyers, as the government advances plans for a major development on the reclaimed island. Tourism: The government has formed a state-owned resort company, with plans to develop 10 resorts within three years. October tourist arrivals reached a monthly record, though visitor numbers remain below last year’s pace. Weather: Flooding has affected 85% of homes in Kolamaafushi, leaving some residents displaced, while heavy rain warnings remain in place. Sport: The Maldives lost 3-0 to Pakistan in the SAFF Championship and face defending champions India in their final group match.

Israeli Passport Ban: President Mohamed Muizzu says a bill would make the Maldives’ entry ban on Israeli passport holders permanent and unconditional; Parliament must still consider the measure. Tourism Payments: Bank of Maldives has returned some payments for Russian visitors’ hotel bookings since October 18. Russian travel operators say about US$2 million is delayed or returned, raising concerns for a major visitor market. Fishermen Released: Twenty-four Tamil Nadu fishermen detained in the Maldives for entering international waters have returned home after their release. Weather and Flooding: Flooding has affected 85% of homes in Kolamaafushi, while the Met Office has warned of heavy rain across northern atolls. Tourism Revenue: Airport departure taxes and development fees brought in MVR 3.32 billion through October, up 6.8% year on year. Visitor arrivals have topped 1.8 million, though they remain below last year’s level. Political Update: The Elections Commission fined Adhaalath Party MVR 25,000 over gaps in its financial records; the MDP has removed former foreign minister Abdulla Shahid from its National Council WhatsApp group following his arrest over allegations involving a minor.

Public Safety: Police are investigating after a 41-year-old man was found unconscious in a parked pickup in Malé and pronounced dead at hospital. Politics and Law: President Mohamed Muizzu says a proposed law will make the ban on Israeli passport holders permanent. A separate bill for Rasmale’ would bar alcohol, pork and gambling, prohibit Israeli-linked property ownership and allow eligible leaseholds to be resold. The government has also proposed hanging as the sole method of execution for death sentences. Tourism and Revenue: Airport taxes and fees brought in MVR 3.32 billion through October 29, up 6.8% year-on-year. Meanwhile, Bank of Maldives’ refusal to process Russia-linked transfers is complicating hotel payments for Russian visitors. Weather: The Met Office has warned of heavy rain and flooding, and launched its Moosun app with forecasts for 516 locations and real-time alerts. Politics: The Elections Commission fined Adhaalath Party MVR 25,000 over incomplete financial records. Former foreign minister Abdulla Shahid has been removed from the MDP National Council WhatsApp group while in custody over child sexual abuse allegations; his lawyers have appealed his remand.

Child Abuse Investigation: Former foreign minister Abdulla Shahid is in custody on suspicion of sexually abusing a minor; his lawyers have appealed the arrest order, and authorities say the investigation is continuing. SAFF Championship: Maldives lost 3-0 to Pakistan, leaving their semi-final hopes dependent on the result against India. Flooding: Kolamaafushi reports say 85% of homes were affected, with displaced residents left without adequate shelter as heavy-rain alerts remain in force. Tourism and Business: October arrivals reached a monthly record, though visitor numbers remain below 2025 levels; the government is also moving to repeal the 17% tax on foreign tour operators. Hulhumalé’s long-delayed Manhattan Grand Hotel has opened with 162 rooms and major event facilities. Child Protection: The Supreme Court restored a mother’s 18-year-and-six-month sentence for facilitating the sexual abuse of her daughter, while the ministry has warned against sharing details that could identify child victims.

SAFF Championship: Maldives fell 3-0 to Pakistan on Sunday, conceding all three goals in the first half. Pakistan secured a semifinal place; Maldives now face India on November 11, with India needing only a draw to top Group B. Media and AI: A Maldivian delegation led by Public Service Media Chairperson Aminath Namza is at the World Media Summit in Beijing. Namza urged keeping people at the centre of AI development and protecting small nations and local languages from being sidelined. Severe weather: Flooding damaged homes and public buildings in Kolamaafushi, leaving some families displaced without suitable temporary shelter. The Met Office has warned of heavy rain and possible flooding across the country through November 11. Hulhumalé development: The long-stalled Manhattan Grand Hotel has opened with 162 rooms and major conference facilities, adding capacity for business and transit visitors near Velana International Airport.

Severe Weather: Flooding in Kolamaafushi damaged dozens of homes, while displaced families lack suitable shelter. A Met Office warning for heavy rain and possible flooding remains in effect through November 11; a whirlwind in Lhaimagu injured one person and damaged homes. Tourism: Manhattan Grand, a long-stalled 162-room hotel project in Hulhumalé, has opened near Velana International Airport. The Maldives also welcomed more than 194,000 tourists in October, while the government plans to repeal the 17% tax on foreign tour operators. Foreign Relations: President Mohamed Muizzu’s Pakistan visit has stirred debate over closer security ties and the impact on relations with India. Public Safety: Customs seized 3.15 kilograms of synthetic drugs in postal and courier packages. Child Protection: The Supreme Court reinstated an 18½-year sentence for a mother convicted of facilitating her daughter’s sexual abuse; the Health Ministry warned against sharing details that could identify child victims. Infrastructure: Maldives Airports Company borrowings have climbed to nearly MVR 16.64 billion, largely to fund airport projects.

Flooding and Storms: Torrential rain has flooded dozens of homes and public facilities in Kolamaafushi, where the council says it has nowhere to shelter displaced families. A nationwide heavy-rain and flood warning remains in force through November 11. A whirlwind in Lhaimagu injured one person and damaged homes. Child Protection: The Supreme Court has reinstated an 18-year-and-six-month sentence for a mother convicted of facilitating the sexual abuse of her daughter. The Health Ministry urged the public and media not to share details that could identify child victims. Airport Finances: MACL’s borrowings have climbed to nearly MVR 16.64 billion, with major airport projects funded by loans secured against Hulhule’ leasehold rights. Tourism: October visitor arrivals reached a monthly record, while the Maldives’ total for the year passed 1.8 million but remained below 2025 levels. Public Services: The MNDF Coast Guard transported more than 280 patients between October and November 5, including 88 medical evacuations in the latest week.

Political Case: Former foreign minister and MDP leader Abdulla Shahid has appealed his arrest warrant over alleged sexual abuse of a minor; his remand has been extended. The allegations have not been proven. Tourism: Arrivals reached 1.76 million by October but remain below last year’s pace. The government is moving to repeal the 17% tax on foreign tour operators, as industry voices warn tax uncertainty could take years to overcome. Workers’ Rights: Employers cannot require more than 48 regular working hours a week or six consecutive workdays without at least 24 hours’ rest; overtime is covered separately. Economy: A new study estimates AI could add $112 million to the Maldives’ GDP over a decade. Separately, the budget committee aims to complete its review by November 19. Marine Safety: An alleged fight between divers at a crowded Maldives reef has renewed scrutiny of safety at popular dive sites. Regional Ties: President Muizzu’s recent Pakistan visit produced 20 cooperation agreements, including plans to expand trade and explore direct flights, amid debate over the Maldives’ strategic balance with India.

Maritime Security: A Maldivian participant joined a regional maritime security course in New Delhi with delegates from nine other countries, covering ocean governance, surveillance and joint operations. Politics and Justice: Opposition leader Abdulla Shahid has appealed his arrest warrant in a child sexual abuse investigation; his remand was extended for 30 days. The allegations have not been proven. Economy and Technology: A Commonwealth study estimates AI could add US$112 million to the Maldivian economy over a decade, but ranks the country 28th of 56 for youth readiness, below the study’s benchmark. Public Finances: Parliament’s Budget Committee aims to finish reviewing the proposed MVR 59.7 billion 2027 budget by November 19. The plan projects a MVR 9.4 billion deficit. Tourism and Safety: Visitor arrivals have passed 1.8 million but remain below 2025 levels. Separately, a diver’s account of an underwater fight at an overcrowded reef has renewed concern about safety at dive sites.

Political Cases: Former foreign minister and MDP leader Abdulla Shahid has appealed his arrest warrant over alleged sexual abuse of a minor. He remains in custody on a 30-day remand. Opposition activist Ali Juman’s remand was extended by 15 days in a separate case involving alleged calls for arson and looting. Public Finance: Parliament’s Budget Committee aims to finish reviewing the MVR 59.7 billion 2027 budget by November 19. The proposal projects a MVR 9.4 billion deficit. Pensions & Hajj: New rules let people over 65 use retirement savings to secure a Hajj place, provided they meet eligibility requirements, including a minimum account balance of MVR 336,000. National Service: Italy has posthumously awarded MNDF Sergeant Mohamed Mahudhy its Gold Medal for Civil Valor for his sacrifice during the 2024 search for five missing Italian divers. Environment: An activist climbed a century-old banyan tree in Vilimale’ to oppose its removal; he later came down after police negotiated with him. Economy: A Commonwealth study estimates AI could add $112 million to Maldives GDP over a decade, while warning the country needs to improve youth readiness. Tourism: Visitor arrivals have passed 1.8 million but remain below last year’s pace.

Parliament: The Budget Committee plans to finish reviewing the MVR59.7 billion 2027 state budget by November 19, with meetings scheduled with government agencies and financial watchdogs. Tourism Taxes: The government is moving to repeal the 17% tax on foreign tour operators and refund payments already collected. At the World Travel Market, Tourism Minister Mohamed Ameen also reassured ABTA that overseas agents and operators would be removed from the tax’s scope. Dive Safety: Authorities are investigating an alleged underwater altercation at Kuda Rah Thila, where a diver says another man tried to grab his breathing mouthpiece. SAFF Championship: India beat Pakistan 3-2 in their opener, despite conceding twice in stoppage time. Pakistan’s coach says the team hopes to beat the Maldives in its next match. Banking: Bank of Maldives is offering American Express cardholders a prize draw, including resort stays, for spending at least MVR1,000 a week through December.

Parliament: The ruling PNC defeated an MDP no-confidence motion against Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed, 54–10. Saeed said the government had supplied banks with 80% more US dollars than the previous administration; the opposition called his response “empty talk.” Cost of Living: Maldive Gas has cut refill amounts amid import pressures, while keeping charges tied to the weight supplied. Judiciary: Supreme Court Justice Ali Rasheed’s retirement takes effect December 1, and applications are open for his replacement as a High Court seat remains vacant. Tourism: The Maldives launched its “Visit Maldives Year 2027” campaign in London, while hotelier Mohamed Khaleel warned fallout from a proposed tax on overseas travel providers could take years to repair. Healthcare: A Kuwait Fund loan of about US$9.7 million will help build a 50-bed hospital in Veymandoo. Politics and Justice: Former opposition leader Abdulla Shahid has been arrested and remanded for 30 days over allegations of sexually abusing a minor; the allegations have not been proven in court. Rasmale’: A movement has postponed its rally calling for a referendum on the development project to November 13. Football: The Maldives begin their SAFF Championship campaign against Pakistan on November 8 in Dhaka.

Politics: Former foreign minister and opposition leader Abdulla Shahid has been remanded for 30 days after his arrest over an alleged sexual assault of a minor. The allegation has not been proven. Tourism: Hotelier Mohamed Khaleel says the proposed tax on overseas travel providers has damaged confidence and could take years to recover from, despite plans to repeal the levy. Healthcare: The Kuwait Fund has signed a US$10 million loan agreement to help build a 50-bed hospital on Veymandhoo, with work expected to take three years. Tourism push: The Maldives has launched its “Visit Maldives Year 2027” campaign, aiming to attract visitors while linking resort tourism with local communities. Economy: President Mohamed Muizzu has called for economic independence and freedom from debt; Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed says 313 foreign investments were registered in the government’s first three years. Football: The Maldives face Pakistan on November 8 and India on November 11 in the SAFF Championship group stage in Dhaka.

Shahid Case: Opposition leader and former foreign minister Abdulla Shahid has been remanded for 30 days as police investigate allegations of sexually abusing a minor. Shahid denies the claims, calling them politically motivated. Victory Day & Defence: President Mohamed Muizzu vowed to protect the country’s sovereignty as the Maldives marked the 1988 coup attempt. A Chinese company has been awarded a contract to build a 15-storey accommodation and logistics block at a military base in Malé. Tourism: Visit Maldives Year 2027 was unveiled at World Travel Market in London, with a year-long campaign planned to showcase resorts, local islands and Maldivian culture. Healthcare: The government has established a single governing body for state tertiary hospitals, bringing six facilities under the new Maldives Tertiary Hospitals Group. Climate: A new study classifies all 13 assessed South Asian coral reef ecosystems, including those in the Maldives, as critically endangered when future ocean warming is considered. Public Safety: Police recorded 17 foreign-currency exchange scams in the last six days of October, with victims losing more than MVR 737,000 across 32 scam cases.

Politics: Former foreign minister and MDP leader Abdulla Shahid has been remanded in custody for 30 days after his arrest over allegations of sexually abusing a minor. Shahid denies the claims, and police say the investigation is ongoing. Healthcare: President Mohamed Muizzu has established a central governing body for six government tertiary hospitals, dissolving their existing boards in a bid to strengthen and coordinate services. Tourism: The Maldives welcomed 194,039 visitors in October, up 0.9% year on year, but arrivals for the year to date remain 2.9% below 2025. Small States: Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam urged the Commonwealth to improve access to affordable, long-term climate finance and ensure equal representation for member states. Business: Bank of Maldives has opened its payment gateway to local small businesses seeking to receive US-dollar payments from overseas customers. Football: The Maldives will compete in the SAFF Championship in Bangladesh, starting November 5; India and Pakistan meet in the tournament opener.