Maldives removes President's Office approval for tourism lease

Maldivian government has proposed an amendment to the Tourism Act that would remove the requirement for the President's Office's approval before leasing islands, land, and lagoons for tourism purposes.

The first reading of the bill took place in Parliament on Monday, with the proposal moved by PNC MP Musthafa Hussein on behalf of the government. The bill is set for debate in Tuesday’s parliamentary session.

Under the current Tourism Act, approval from the President's Office is required before allocating islands, land, and lagoons for tourism purposes.

This requirement was introduced with an amendment on July 10, 2016, which added Article 5(r)(3) to the Act, mandating that such allocations could only proceed with approval from the President's Office.

Musthafa Hussein’s proposed amendment seeks to eliminate this requirement, allowing for allocations without consulting the President's Office if the bill is passed.

The existing law also mandates the tourism ministry to publish a list of islands, land, and lagoons designated for tourism, created in consultation with the President's Office. Any additions to this list currently require approval from the President's Office.

The new amendment would alter this process, requiring direct consultation with the president instead.

The proposed amendment also includes a change to the green tax levied on tourists, set to take effect next year.

The tax for guesthouses with fewer than 50 rooms would increase from $3 to $6 per day. For resorts, city hotels, and establishments with more than 50 rooms, the tax would increase from $6 to $12 per day.