AGP Executive Report

Maldives Digital Push: Parliament has approved the Maldives 2.0 Digital Transformation Bill and a Digital Identity Bill, with both now set for review by the ICT Committee—aiming to modernize public services and set rules for a national digital identity system with data safeguards. Immigration Warning: Maldives Immigration says passport applicants should not submit AI-edited or digitally altered photos, warning such submissions can be delayed or rejected. Biometrics at Borders: Amadeus’ BioPod devices have completed an independent ISO/IEC 30107-3 liveness (PAD) test by BixeLab, supporting the move toward faster, contactless biometric checks. Local Enforcement: Police detained two expatriates in Hulhumalé over an alleged unauthorized waste disposal business, transferring them to Immigration for further action. Tourism & Lifestyle: Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa was named a finalist for Eco-Spa of the Year at the Destination Deluxe Awards 2026, while Maldives resorts and travel brands continue leaning into wellness and family-friendly demand. Travel Route Update: S7 Airlines opened ticket sales for a new Novosibirsk–Malé route starting Oct 30, 2026, with twice-weekly flights.

Immigration & Security: Maldives Immigration warned passport applicants not to submit AI-edited or digitally altered photos, saying such images can lead to delays or rejection because passports must match applicants’ real facial features. Law Enforcement: US-backed support reached the Maldives Police Service with 150 drug and precursor field test kits, aimed at speeding up frontline testing during narcotics operations. Irregular Migration Crackdown: Immigration detained 27 expatriates during a Malé food court enforcement operation, after inspecting 88 people and finding 27 allegedly living or working illegally; authorities say more deportations have followed since 2023. Local Enforcement in Hulhumalé: Police detained two expatriates accused of running an unauthorized waste disposal service, alleging violations of public health, waste management, immigration and employment laws. Trade Talks: Maldives-India FTA talks moved into Technical Barriers to Trade discussions, focusing on standards, testing, certification, and plant and animal health rules. Agriculture & Food Security: The Maldives is working with Chinese scientific experts to diagnose and treat tree diseases and pests, including the coconut palm infestation known as “Ruku Madi.” Tourism & Hospitality: V Villas Maldives at Mirihi (MGallery Collection) opened as Accor’s new Maldives debut, adding 42 all-villa stays and new overwater options. Business & Connectivity: Dhiraagu announced a second speedboat lucky draw on 10 July, while Google said it plans connectivity hubs in the Maldives as part of broader cable and cloud infrastructure efforts.

Maldives-India Trade Talks: The Maldives held consultations with stakeholders on Technical Barriers to Trade as negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with India continue, focusing on standards, testing, labeling, and protections for health and agriculture. Anti-Drug Push: The US, via UNODC, donated 150 drug and precursor field test kits to Maldives Police to speed up frontline testing during narcotics operations. Immigration Crackdown: Immigration detained 27 undocumented expatriates after inspecting 88 people at the West Harbor Food Courts in Malé, as the government intensifies action against irregular migration. Food Security Research: The Maldives is working with Chinese scientific experts to diagnose and treat tree diseases and invasive pests, including efforts against the “Ruku Madi” coconut palm infestation. Tourism & Hospitality: S7 Airlines opened ticket sales for a new Novosibirsk–Malé route starting Oct 30 (twice weekly), while Kandooma Maldives prepares to relaunch under HPL Hotels & Resorts from Oct 1, 2026. Local Life & Offers: Dhiraagu will hold its second speedboat lucky draw on Friday, and BML with Mastercard launched a promotion offering MVR 100,000 in cash prizes for new debit card applicants. Environment & Culture: Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru marked Plastic Free July with beach and reef clean-ups and a Shark Awareness Day in partnership with Miyaru. Digital Payments: DhiraaguPay users can win a Bali holiday package for two by paying Dhiraagu bills through the app.

Food Security & Agriculture: The Maldives is working with Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences specialists to diagnose and treat tree diseases and invasive pests, including the widespread “Ruku Madi” coconut palm infestation, with findings now set for wider rollout. Diplomacy: President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu met a Saudi delegation to reaffirm commitment to stronger Maldives–Saudi ties and continued support for socioeconomic development. Trade Talks: Maldives and India held consultations on Technical Barriers to Trade as FTA negotiations continue, focusing on standards, testing, labeling, and plant and food safety rules. Public Safety: The US donated 150 drug and precursor field test kits to Maldives Police via UNODC to speed up frontline testing during narcotics operations. Immigration Enforcement: Immigration detained 27 undocumented expatriates after inspecting 88 people in a Malé food court raid, as the government intensifies irregular migration crackdowns. Tourism & Lifestyle: V Villas Maldives at Mirihi—MGallery Collection opened as Accor’s new Maldives debut, while Kandooma Maldives prepares a relaunch under HPL from Oct 1, 2026. Digital Payments: DhiraaguPay users can win a Bali holiday package for two by paying Dhiraagu bills during a promotion running until Aug 31.

Resort Relaunch: Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is set to rebrand as Kandooma Maldives from 1 October 2026, with Hotel Properties Limited (HPL) taking over management after the IHG agreement ends on 30 September; the “Kandooma Next Chapter” plan will roll out refreshed all-villa accommodation and upgraded facilities in phases to keep guest stays running smoothly. Tourism Growth: Maldives diving schools are the fastest-growing part of tourism, with revenue up 47.7% (to $32.03m) in the latest reporting period, while overall tourism output tax rose 20.5% and total tourist arrivals increased 11.6%. Health Alert: The measles outbreak has climbed to 72 confirmed cases, with experts urging people aged 15–35 to confirm they’ve had both vaccine doses and calling for tighter checks on travellers and migrant workers. Banking Milestone: Bank of Ceylon’s BOC Maldives marked its 45th anniversary, highlighting its role in remittances and financial links across Malé and Hulhumalé. Connectivity Boost: Dhiraagu is offering eligible fibre customers free upgrades to selected Limitehneh plans for up to two months until 31 July 2026. Awards & Recognition: Milaidhoo Maldives received the Forbes Travel Guide VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality badge, while Madifushi Private Island won “Best Elegant Private Island” at the Fashion Travel Awards 2026.

Tourism Growth: Maldives diving schools are the fastest-growing slice of the tourism economy, with revenue up 47.7% to USD 32.03m in Dec 2025–Feb 2026, as total tourism output tax rose 20.5% to USD 447m and arrivals climbed 11.6%. Public Health: The measles situation is worsening, with 72 confirmed cases this year; doctors say incomplete vaccination is driving spread and urge people aged 15–35 to confirm they’ve had both doses, while authorities are told to check migrant workers’ vaccination before visas. Digital Finance: Bank of Maldives CEO Mohamed Shareef says the country is moving toward an “invisible” payments model over the next five years, using connected systems and biometric/digital identity to make transactions seamless. Connectivity: Dhiraagu is offering eligible fibre customers free upgrades to selected Limitehneh plans for up to two months until 31 July. Crime & Justice: Maldives-linked developments in Sri Lanka’s Akuregoda double murder continue, with a suspect extradited from the Maldives arrested on arrival in Colombo. Diplomacy: President Muizzu reaffirmed commitment to expand Maldives–US cooperation on security, trade, education and people-to-people ties.

Akuregoda Double Murder: A 23-year-old suspect linked to the Feb 13 killing of a lawyer and his wife was arrested in the Maldives and brought back to Sri Lanka via Bandaranaike Airport, with police saying he drove the getaway car used by gunmen. Public Safety: Police also arrested six people in Malé and Hulhumalé over a suspected assault plan after an intelligence-led raid, with knives and cash seized. Digital Finance: Bank of Maldives CEO Mohamed Shareef says the next five years will move payments toward “invisible” background processing, with biometric checks and smarter support for small businesses. Tourism Economy: Maldives Inland Revenue Authority data shows diving schools are the fastest-growing tourism segment, with revenue up 47.7% in Dec 2025–Feb 2026, as overall tourism output tax rises 20.5%. Resort Recognition: Crown & Champa Resorts says multiple properties won Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2026, including Jawakara Islands Maldives as “Best of the Best.” Corruption Push: Mosques nationwide delivered a Friday sermon warning against corruption and bribery. Diplomacy & Aid: President Muizzu reaffirmed US ties, while the Maldives pledged $50,000 annually to UNRWA for Palestinian refugees.

Tourism Finance: Maldives generated about USD 120 million last year from resort lease extensions, land sales and land conversion fees, with operators benefiting from a new lump-sum fee structure for faster lease extension payments. Tourism Growth: Diving schools are driving the strongest momentum in tourism, with MIRA data showing diving revenue up 47.7% in Q1 and tourism output tax rising 20.5% year-on-year. Public Safety: Police arrested six suspects in Malé and Hulhumalé over a suspected assault plan after an intelligence-led search, seizing a folding knife and cash. Diplomacy: President Muizzu reaffirmed commitment to the United States on its Independence anniversary, citing expanding cooperation across security, trade, education and people-to-people ties. Anti-Corruption Push: Mosques nationwide delivered a synchronized Friday sermon warning against corruption and bribery, as governance concerns remain high. Humanitarian Support: Maldives pledged USD 50,000 annually to UNRWA to sustain services for Palestinian refugees. Tourism Numbers: The Maldives welcomed one million tourists so far this year, but arrivals are still 5% down versus the same period in 2025.

Tourism Update: The Maldives welcomed its one-millionth visitor on 20 June, but arrivals are still down 5% versus the same period in 2025, with China the top source market (169,798 visitors). Anti-Corruption Drive: Mosques across the country delivered a synchronized Friday sermon warning against corruption and bribery, urging worshippers to treat public office as a trust. Humanitarian Support: The Maldives pledged $50,000 annually to UNRWA to help sustain services for Palestinian refugees. Drug Enforcement: Homeland Security and Technology Minister Ali Ihusaan urged the police to intensify action against illegal drugs, calling it the biggest threat to national security. Finance for Businesses: Bank of Maldives rolled out BML SplitPay and expanded merchant financing, including up to MVR 2 million with faster processing. Travel & Lifestyle (Maldives): InterContinental Maldives added a complimentary padel court, while Nova Maldives launched a Women’s Dive Day programme led by Maldivian PADI Course Director Zoona Naseem.

Anti-Corruption Push: Mosques across the Maldives delivered a synchronized Friday sermon warning that corruption and bribery are among the gravest sins, as authorities use weekly prayers to reinforce integrity messages nationwide. Palestine Aid: The Maldives pledged $50,000 annually to UNRWA at the UN’s pledging conference, calling it essential for protecting dignity and keeping humanitarian services running. Police Crackdown on Drugs: Homeland Security and Technology Minister Ali Ihusaan urged the Maldives Police Service to intensify action against illegal drugs, calling it the biggest threat to national security and stability. Tourism Update: The Maldives welcomed over one million tourists this year, but arrivals are still down 5% versus the same period in 2025, with China the top source market. India-Maldives Trade Relief: India exempted the Maldives from two fuel-related export duties, a move expected to cut fuel import costs and ease pressure on the economy. Sports (Local Link): SIXR cricket club reached the Hua Hin Cricket Sixes semifinals after wins over SPCG and SCC Maldives.

Banking & Payments: Bank of Maldives launched BML SplitPay, letting eligible cardholders split purchases above MVR 1,500 into 3–24 monthly instalments at participating merchants. Tourism & Travel: A high-level Maldives delegation led by the Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister is visiting China (Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu) to boost confidence and sustain growth, with China remaining the top source market. Diplomacy: The Maldives pledged USD 50,000 annually to UNRWA at the UN pledging conference, reiterating support for Palestinian refugees. Policy & Economy: President Muizzu ratified the 20th Amendment to the Export-Import Act, including new cigarette import duty rates and exemptions for nicotine cessation products. Finance & Business: The Maldives Financial Expo 2026 returned after nine years, bringing banks, insurers, regulators and government under one roof to discuss inclusion, innovation and intelligence. Hospitality: Dusit Thani Maldives announced a resort-wide villa refresh, while Corinthia appointed Peter Roth to lead hotel operations across its expanding pipeline, including Maldives openings. Connectivity: Google says it plans “connectivity hubs” in Africa, and mentions Maldives among locations for future cable-related infrastructure.

Diplomacy & Humanitarian Aid: The Maldives pledged USD 50,000 annually to UNRWA at the UN headquarters, calling for sustained funding to protect Palestinian refugees and the rule-based international order. Public Finance & Events: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu launched the Maldives Financial Expo 2026 in Hulhumalé, running July 2–4 after a nine-year gap, with a focus on inclusion, innovation and intelligence for banks, insurers and regulators. Trade Policy: Muizzu ratified the 20th Amendment to the Export-Import Act, setting cigarette and heated-tobacco import duties at MVR 4 per stick plus a 30% ad valorem rate, while nicotine gum and patches for smoking cessation are duty-exempt. Digital Procurement: Visit Maldives Corporation rolled out a new vendor platform to digitise and streamline procurement, improving transparency and access for local and international suppliers. Telecom Leadership: Dhiraagu named Valdemar Ferradaz as CEO-designate effective 1 July, ahead of Ismail Rasheed’s retirement. Environment: Environment Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo said blue carbon finance is vital for protecting coastal communities and strengthening the delta economy. Hospitality & Tourism: Dusit Thani Maldives announced a resort-wide refresh of villas and its guest experience, while Heritance Aarah’s Ralu Overwater Restaurant and Baani earned Wine Spectator’s 2026 Award of Excellence.

Maldives Heritage Drive: The Maldives is nearing completion of a nationwide effort to document historical and archaeological sites, with officials saying it will become the country’s first comprehensive free digital archive to support conservation and research, after 400+ sites were catalogued and work is finishing across remaining atolls. Telecom Leadership: Dhiraagu has named Valdemar Ferradaz as CEO-designate effective 1 July, as Ismail Rasheed retires after nearly 40 years. Hospitality Expansion: Corinthia appointed Peter Roth as president of hotel operations, with a mandate covering service standards and profitability and preparations for openings including in the Maldives. Tourism & Culture: Visit Maldives Corporation launched “This is My Maldives,” a global photo competition aimed at boosting engagement with the destination. Business & Investment Links: Maldives and India begin formal Free Trade Agreement talks, with Minister Saeed saying discussions are underway. Regional Trade/Maritime: A Maldives-linked dredging track record is highlighted as BlueFive Capital buys a 70% stake in UAE firm Gulf Cobla, which has worked on the Male airport project. Banking Perk: Bank of Maldives launched an Amex Platinum card promotion offering a lucky draw prize trip to the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix.

Digital Health: Maldives launches a five-year national digital health roadmap (2026–2030) to unify island healthcare systems under one framework, with WHO, Japan, and ADB support. Aviation Costs: India cuts aviation turbine fuel (ATF) by ₹5 per litre to about ₹110, alongside revised export duties on petrol, diesel and ATF effective July 1. Tourism & Nature Economy: Study estimates manta rays add over US$311m annually to the Maldives economy and could generate up to US$8.6bn in lifetime tourism revenue. Banking Perks: Bank of Maldives (BML) offers Amex Platinum cardholders a lucky draw to win a trip to the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix. Culture Partnerships: CROSSROADS Maldives meets the Ministry of Culture and Heritage to explore ways to promote Maldivian culture through events and creative experiences. Business Growth: Dhiraagu names Valdemar Ferradaz as CEO designate ahead of Ismail Rasheed’s retirement. Regional Links: Maldives is included in a GCC and Indian Ocean dealer expansion for Maritimo yachts via KJM Marine. Crime Alert (Maldives): A fashion influencer says 150 designer bags were stolen from her home while she was on a luxury Maldives holiday.

Maldives Digital Economy: The Visit Maldives Corporation has launched Creatoll, a national digital marketplace for Maldivian photographers, filmmakers and other visual creators to sell content directly to international buyers, with verified profiles, creator-set pricing and full ownership of intellectual property. Tourism & Conservation: A new study says manta rays contribute US$311m+ annually to the Maldivian economy and could generate up to US$8.6bn in tourism revenue over their lifetimes. Trade & Regional Ties: Maldives and India have started formal Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, with the first round held this week and a target to conclude soon. Payments Update: Minister Mohamed Saeed says PayPal is already operational in the Maldives, with 2,100+ wallets activated and thousands of businesses linked. Politics: Former President Abdulla Yameen criticises the MDP, saying it has lost its identity and failed to hold the government accountable. Defense Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia’s defense minister met Maldives’ Hassan Rasheed in Jeddah to review bilateral relations and security cooperation.

Fuel Exports & Cost of Living: India revised its windfall gains tax on fuel exports for the fortnight starting July 1—petrol export duty rises to Rs 4/litre, while diesel drops to Rs 8.5/litre and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) to Rs 7.5/litre. The government also expanded export-duty exemptions to include Mauritius and the Maldives, alongside Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Local Governance Spotlight: A Maldives delegation of island council representatives praised transparency and participatory rural governance after visiting Andhra Pradesh’s NTR district, studying village panchayat planning, women’s self-help groups and community meetings. Maldives Tourism Push: Visit Maldives Corporation launched “This is My Maldives,” a global photography competition under Creatoll, inviting submissions on places, people, culture, nature and experiences, with a prize of MVR 50,000 for the winner. Resort Updates: Sun Siyam Vilu Reef Maldives unveiled 50 new overwater villas with private pools and water slides, while Nova Maldives marks Women’s Dive Day (17–19 July) with Maldivian PADI leadership and community dives.