Yameen proposes special commercial court with foreign judges for business disputes

Former President Abdulla Yameen has proposed establishing a specialised commercial court in the Maldives, staffed by foreign judges, to resolve disputes involving major local and foreign investments.

Yameen made the proposal at a People’s National Front (PNF) town hall meeting in Feydhoo during his ongoing visit to Addu City. He indicated that the proposal could form part of his manifesto for the 2028 presidential election. Yameen has announced his intention to contest the election.

He said he did not want to disclose all the policies planned for the manifesto at this stage, but raised the proposal because of what he described as a lack of confidence in the country’s justice system.

According to Yameen, protecting major domestic and foreign investments requires strong laws as well as judges who cannot be influenced or bought.

He proposed establishing a mercantile court to deal specifically with commercial disputes, including those arising from foreign investments and major businesses operating in the Maldives.

Yameen suggested appointing experienced foreign judges, including judges who have practised in Singapore, to the proposed court.

“For example, for foreign investments, and also investments in the Maldives, major businesses will face issues and disputes,” Yameen said. “Why not establish mercantile courts and bring in good judges who have practised in Singapore?”

Yameen said the proposed court could be structured to conclude commercial disputes within around 15 to 20 days.

He also proposed limiting further avenues for litigation once the specialised court delivers its decision, arguing that this would provide finality for businesses involved in disputes.

Yameen said appointing foreign judges would also reduce the possibility of the state or parties to a case exerting influence over those hearing commercial disputes.

His proposal, as described at the meeting, would therefore involve specialised courts handling major commercial cases, foreign judges with experience in established commercial jurisdictions, expedited proceedings and limited scope for further litigation.

“I am proposing that mercantile courts be established and that internationally respected [judges] be brought in,” Yameen said.

He said the scale of investment in the Maldives’ tourism industry justified the cost of establishing such a system.

“Our tourism industry represents multi-billion-dollar investments. Why should we not make an arrangement of this scale to protect it?” he said.

Yameen added that the Maldives could afford the cost even if foreign judges appointed to the proposed court were paid substantial salaries. In the Dhivehi remarks provided, he cited USD 60,000 per month as an example.

The proposal comes as Yameen continues a series of PNF activities in Addu City, including town hall meetings and the opening of party offices.