AGP Executive Report

Island Environment: Hundreds of bigeye scad died in Velidhoo lagoon; the council now suspects oxygen depletion after initially investigating reports of dumped cooking water. Economy: Re-export earnings reached $319 million, up 6.8% year-on-year, as sea-to-air cargo expands, with more than 17 airlines involved. Climate: The ILO warns heat stress could reduce Maldivian working time by the equivalent of 2,400 full-time jobs and cost $576 million in annual GDP by 2040, even under a low-emissions scenario. Tourism: S7 Airlines has begun twice-weekly Novosibirsk–Maldives flights, adding links with Russia ahead of peak season; arrivals this year have reached 1.78 million. Diplomacy: President Muizzu’s Pakistan visit produced 20 cooperation agreements and a $200 million bilateral trade target, extending the Maldives’ effort to diversify regional ties. Infrastructure: The final span has connected Vilimalé and Gulhifalhu under the Thilamale’ Bridge project. Health: IGMH admitted more than 500 stroke patients last year; doctors say 15% were young adults.

Environment: Hundreds of dead bigeye scad were found in Velidhoo’s lagoon on Saturday. The council now suspects oxygen depletion, though the cause has not been confirmed. Health: IGMH admitted more than 500 stroke patients last year, and one in five treated was under 45, doctors say. Regional ties: A new analysis questions whether Pakistan can offer meaningful alternatives as the Maldives broadens its partnerships; the countries agreed on 20 cooperation deals and a $200 million trade target. Infrastructure: The final bridge segment linking Vilimalé and Gulhifalhu has been installed, a construction milestone for the India-backed Thilamalé project—not an opening to traffic. Climate: ILO studies warn workplace heat could cost the Maldives about 2,400 full-time-equivalent jobs and $576 million in annual GDP by 2040, even under a low-emissions scenario. Tourism: S7 Airlines has begun twice-weekly flights from Novosibirsk, while women aged 25–34 are the largest visitor demographic this year.

Greater Malé Link: The final bridge segment connecting Vilimalé and Gulhifalhu has been installed, marking a major construction milestone on the 6.7-kilometre Thilamalé Bridge project. The connection is not yet open to traffic. Heat and Jobs: New ILO research warns workplace heat could cost the Maldives about 2,400 full-time-equivalent jobs and US$576 million in annual GDP by 2040, even under a low-emissions scenario. Services and construction are among the sectors most exposed. SAFF Championship: India has named a second-string 28-player squad for the tournament in Dhaka. The Maldives face India on November 11 after India opens against Pakistan on November 5. Drug Cases: Police have recorded 2,132 drug-related cases so far this year, about one-fifth of all reported cases; a 25-year-old man was also remanded for 12 days on suspicion of drug offences.

Economic Outlook: The government forecasts 2027 growth of 3.9% to 6.8%, after cutting its 2026 estimate to 0.6%–1.8% amid economic challenges. Heat at Work: ILO studies warn heat stress could cost the Maldives the equivalent of 2,400 full-time jobs and US$576 million in annual GDP by 2040, with services and construction among the most exposed sectors. Climate Resilience: MFLC’s accreditation as the country’s first national entity able to access Green Climate Fund financing could help tourism businesses invest in cleaner, more resilient operations. Public Safety: Police say road accidents fell 36% in Hulhumalé during an intensified enforcement period, while a former Maldives Ports Limited manager and an oil-tanker driver were jailed for more than eight years over a fuel scam that cost MVR 6.7 million. Press Freedom: The Media and Broadcasting Commission condemned threats against journalists covering Eagle Hills’ Rasmale project, after the journalists’ association asked police to intervene.

Economy and Budget: The proposed 2027 budget totals MVR 59.7 billion, with a projected MVR 9.4 billion deficit. The Finance Ministry forecasts growth of 3.9% to 6.8% next year, after lowering its 2026 outlook to 0.6%–1.8%. The government aims to complete 70% of handed-over projects, attract 2.5 million tourists and add USD 100 million to reserves. Health Services: President Mohamed Muizzu says the Malé City Group of Hospitals will be replaced by a national tertiary hospitals group to streamline services and cut costs. Climate and Work: An ILO-backed study projects heat stress could cost the Maldives 2,400 full-time-equivalent jobs and USD 575.5 million in annual GDP by 2040, even under a low-emissions pathway. Meanwhile, Maldives Finance and Leasing Company’s new Green Climate Fund accreditation could help tourism businesses finance cleaner, more resilient operations. Foreign Relations: Muizzu’s Pakistan visit and 20 cooperation agreements have renewed debate over how the Maldives can expand its partnerships while maintaining ties with India.

2027 Budget: The government has proposed MVR 59.7 billion in spending, with a projected MVR 9.4 billion deficit. It aims to finish 70% of handed-over projects, add USD 100 million to reserves and attract up to 2.5 million tourists. Fuel subsidies are forecast to hit a record MVR 3.7 billion this year. Health Services: President Muizzu plans to replace the Malé City Group of Hospitals with a nationwide tertiary hospitals group to cut costs and improve services. A new oncology centre at Hulhumalé Hospital is also planned, bringing scans and treatments now unavailable at government hospitals. Rasmalé Project: Muizzu says the Eagle Hills development will not reduce housing access for locals, amid concerns over a reported 99-year, rent-free lease of more than 500 hectares. Foreign Relations: Moosa Jaleel, a former defence chief and minister, has been appointed head of the National Counter-Terrorism Center. Climate Finance: MFLC has become the Maldives’ first national institution accredited to access Green Climate Fund financing directly, potentially supporting cleaner, more climate-resilient tourism.

2027 Budget: The Finance Ministry is due to present its proposed budget to Parliament today, with the size still undisclosed after a record MVR 64.2 billion budget for 2026. Rasmale’ Project: President Mohamed Muizzu says the Eagle Hills agreement will go to a parliamentary committee and a related bill will be opened for public comment. He also says the development will be for Maldivians and Muslims, amid growing concern over the project’s terms and land allocation. Trade and Investment: At a China–Maldives investment forum, Muizzu pledged support for responsible foreign investment; state fisheries company MIFCO also signed an agreement to explore frozen fish exports to China. Public Pay: Parliament approved increases that will raise the Speaker’s and Chief Justice’s monthly pay to more than MVR 95,000. Media Freedom: Media commission chair Mohamed Farushath resigned, citing obstacles to treating outlets fairly. The journalists’ association has also sought police protection for reporters targeted online over an Eagle Hills visit. Health and Environment: Hazy conditions and unhealthy air quality are expected to persist through the weekend, while a study presented to Parliament found no Maldivian lagoon ecosystems protected under internationally recognised marine conservation categories.

Media Independence: Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission chair Mohamed Farushath resigned, saying obstacles made it impossible to ensure fair treatment for all outlets. His departure comes as the government considers widening eligibility for media subsidies. Public Health: Air quality turned unhealthy across much of the country, with northern atolls reaching red-alert AQI levels of 158–165; sensitive groups were advised to limit outdoor activity. Port Relocation: Cargo-clearing containers have begun moving from Malé’s commercial port to Thilafushi, the first step in a transition the government aims to complete by November next year. Rasmale’ Debate: A movement opposing the waterfront and marina project plans a November 6 rally to demand a public referendum. Tourism Taxes: Parliament has advanced a bill to repeal the 17% tax on overseas travel agents and booking platforms, reversing a policy that could have raised about MVR 1.61 billion. Investment: President Mohamed Muizzu told a China-Maldives forum the country is seeking responsible investment that creates jobs, skills and industries as it pursues its Vision 2040 goals.

Air Quality: Pollution reached unhealthy levels across much of the Maldives on Monday. Northern atolls recorded red-alert readings of 158–165, while central areas were unhealthy for sensitive groups; people with heart or respiratory conditions are advised to limit outdoor activity. Port Relocation: Maldives Ports Limited has begun moving Malé Commercial Port operations to Thilafushi, shifting container-clearing services first. The government aims to complete the move by November 2027. Rasmale’ Debate: The “Maldivians’ Land for Maldivians” movement plans a November 6 rally calling for a referendum on the waterfront and marina project. The opposition MDP has also called an emergency meeting to decide its position. Legislation: A bill to criminalise genocide and economic sabotage has been removed from Parliament’s agenda twice, without an official explanation. Tourism Tax: Parliament has moved to repeal the 17% tax on overseas travel agents and booking platforms after industry objections. The reversal could cost the government about MVR 1.61 billion in expected revenue. Food Safety: MFDA will inspect registered home-based food producers and processors from November 5 to 20.

Energy Transition: Minesto and Morteza Capital have signed an MoU to pursue tidal-power projects in the Maldives, aiming to reduce reliance on imported diesel while protecting the islands’ natural environment. Parliament: A bill to criminalize genocide and economic sabotage was pulled from the sitting’s agenda. MPs also approved a rule requiring a preliminary vote before resolutions can be debated, while a committee moved to raise the Chief Justice’s monthly pay to MVR 95,125. Health Costs: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee has launched a broad review of state health insurance, including Aasandha, after a petition challenged special coverage for MPs. Rasmale’ Project: The MDP has called an emergency meeting to decide its position on the proposed $20 billion Eagle Hills development, which has drawn criticism over land terms and transparency. Drug Seizure: Four Bangladeshi nationals were arrested after Customs intercepted 6.75 kilograms of narcotics in unaccompanied luggage at Velana International Airport. Funadhoo Fire: Parliament’s security committee will summon senior security officials over the recent petrol-shed blaze and the earlier tanker incident; all 20 people injured in the fire have been discharged.

Drug Trafficking: Four Bangladeshi men have been arrested after authorities seized 6.75kg of narcotics from air freight at Velana International Airport. Police say the investigation into the smuggling network is continuing. Health Reform: A parliamentary committee is reviewing state-funded insurance, including Aasandha, after a petition challenged special medical cover for MPs. Members say reform should address benefits for other officials too, rather than target lawmakers alone. Security Oversight: Parliament’s security committee unanimously agreed to summon senior defence, police and customs officials over oil tankers that entered Maldivian waters illegally and the deadly Funadhoo petrol-shed fire. Penal Code: A government-backed bill would criminalise genocide and acts threatening economic security, alongside treason and offences against Islam. The Attorney General says the genocide provisions fulfil the Maldives’ obligations under an international convention. Tourism and Aviation: National airline Maldivian has opened a Beijing office as it seeks to expand in China, the source of 19% of tourist arrivals so far this year. Rasmalé Deal: Parliament rejected an opposition motion seeking disclosure of terms for the proposed USD 20 billion development, leaving public concerns over the project unresolved.

Tourism Tax: Parliament has accepted a bill to repeal the new tax on foreign tour operators and online booking platforms, weeks after it took effect and amid industry objections. Rasmale’ Deal: The ruling PNC majority rejected an opposition bid to disclose terms of the proposed US$20 billion Eagle Hills project, renewing concerns over transparency and benefits for locals. Funadhoo Fire: Police investigators have been sent to probe the petrol-shed blaze that injured 20 people; all were discharged. Public Safety: Four expatriates were remanded after 6.75 kilograms of drugs were seized from an air-freight shipment, while police also arrested three suspects over an MVR 32,000 online scam. Local Business: Maldives Expo 2026 has opened in Hulhumalé, featuring more than 4,400 products from local creators and businesses. Foreign Relations: President Muizzu’s Pakistan visit produced 20 agreements, with both countries pledging to raise trade to US$200 million within two years. Foreign Exchange: The MMA reminded businesses to meet currency-conversion requirements by Wednesday, warning that non-compliant entities may be named publicly.

Public Safety: Four expatriates were remanded over an alleged attempt to smuggle 6.75kg of drugs into the Maldives, while a 62-year-old man was held until trial after 19 suspected drug pellets weighing 427g were found inside his body. Police also arrested three suspects over a WhatsApp scam that cost a victim MVR 32,000. Funadhoo Fire: The petrol-shed blaze was extinguished after spreading to nine buildings; all 20 people treated for injuries or smoke exposure have been discharged. Local Business: Maldives Expo 2026 opened in Hulhumalé with 780 registered participants and thousands of locally made products on display. BML plans to let small businesses accept overseas payments in US dollars from November 1. Politics: Former foreign minister Abdulla Shahid warned President Muizzu could revive anti-India campaigning, and called for transparency over agreements signed during Muizzu’s Pakistan visit. Climate: A new IUCN assessment classifies 96% of tropical and subtropical coral reefs as critically endangered, underscoring risks to the Maldives’ tourism, fisheries and coastal protection.

Funadhoo Fire: A blaze at the island’s petrol shed spread to nine nearby buildings, including four homes; all 20 people treated for injuries have been discharged, and the fire is out. Child Protection: Two teachers have been arrested in separate cases involving the alleged abuse of schoolgirls aged 12 to 16. Sexual Violence: Police have named nine men arrested in a southern Maldives case involving the alleged assault of a 22-year-old woman and underage girls. Rasmale’ Dispute: Lawyer Ali Hussain says the 500-hectare project awarded to UAE-based Eagle Hills is unjust to locals seeking housing and may lack a legal basis. Public Spending: Opposition MDP MPs say approved pay increases for senior officials could add MVR 40 million to annual state spending and are urging Parliament to reverse them. Flooding: Heavy rain has displaced residents in Kulhudhuffushi and forced a temporary halt to burials at Hulhumalé Cemetery. Pakistan Ties: President Muizzu’s state visit produced 20 agreements, with both countries targeting $200 million in trade within two years and pursuing direct flights. Small Business: BML plans to let local businesses accept international payments in US dollars through its gateway from November 1.

SME Support: President Mohamed Muizzu has named Addu the first economic zone, offering local businesses three years of tax and fee concessions from January. From 1 November, SMEs will also be able to accept US-dollar payments through Bank of Maldives’ gateway. Flooding: Heavy rain displaced more than 140 people in Kulhudhuffushi, where cleanup is underway; flooding also forced a temporary halt to burials at Hulhumalé Cemetery, with services moved to Malé. Public Safety: Nine men have been arrested in a southern Maldives case involving the alleged sexual assault of a woman and underage girls. Regional Ties: Muizzu’s Pakistan visit produced 20 agreements covering areas including defence and trade, with both countries aiming to raise trade to $200 million in two years and establish direct flights. An Indian naval squadron also completed training with the MNDF Coast Guard and handed over critical spares. Political Debate: Former president Mohamed Nasheed called for Muizzu to leave office, citing rising prices and a lack of progress. Former foreign minister Abdulla Shahid, meanwhile, said India remains the Maldives’ main source of substantial assistance.

Flood Emergency: Heavy rain flooded more than 140 homes in Kulhudhuffushi and displaced residents; cleanup is underway, while firefighters rescued a partly submerged ferry. Floodwater also forced a temporary halt to burials at Hulhumalé Cemetery, with services moved to Malé. Crime: Police arrested nine men in a southern Maldives sexual assault case involving a 22-year-old woman and underage girls. Foreign Relations: President Mohamed Muizzu has returned from Pakistan after the two countries signed 20 agreements and set a goal of lifting trade to US$200 million within two years; direct flights are also planned. India’s First Training Squadron has concluded its Maldives engagement, including a coast guard exercise and a handover of spare parts. Local Breakthrough: A farmer in Addu says he has grown coffee beans in the Maldives for the first time. UN: The Maldives backed UAE nominee Lana Zaki Nusseibeh for UN secretary-general, reiterating its support for a woman to lead the organisation.