MP raises concerns over closure of German consulate in Maldives

Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim has written to Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam expressing concern over the closure of Germany's Honorary Consulate in the Maldives and calling for diplomatic efforts to restore consular services.

The German Honorary Consulate ceased operations indefinitely on 2 October 2026. Businessman Sanjay Ibrahim Manik, who was appointed honorary consul by the German government in 2019 during the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) administration, had held the position.

The closure has prompted speculation that the German government took the decision following attempts by the Maldivian government to have another individual appointed as honorary consul.

In his letter, Ibrahim highlighted the diplomatic and economic relationship between the Maldives and Germany, noting that the two countries have maintained relations since 1966.

He said Germany has consistently ranked among the five largest tourist source markets for the Maldives and plays a significant role in the country's economy.

Citing tourism statistics, Ibrahim said between 130,000 and 160,000 German tourists generally visit the Maldives each year. In 2025, the country received 167,822 visitors from Germany, accounting for 7.5% of total tourist arrivals.

The MP said the honorary consulate had provided services to German tourists, businesspeople and German nationals residing in the Maldives.

Following its closure, consular matters previously handled in the Maldives will be referred to the German Embassy in Sri Lanka.

However, Ibrahim expressed concern that the absence of a local representative would limit the assistance available to German nationals in the Maldives, with support from the embassy largely restricted to advice.

He said the situation could create difficulties for tourists requiring consular assistance during their visits.

Ibrahim also raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the closure, alleging that political considerations may have influenced the decision.

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has similarly criticised the closure, attributing it to what he described as the government's poor policies.

Nasheed alleged that the Maldivian government had sought to replace the existing honorary consul with an individual of its choosing, but that the German government had not agreed to the proposed change.

Ibrahim said that if political considerations were behind the closure, taking such action in relation to Germany, which he described as an important partner of the Maldives, was unacceptable.

He called on the government to give the matter priority, engage in diplomatic consultations to resolve any disagreements and work towards restoring consular services in the Maldives as soon as possible.

Germany's embassy in Colombo has confirmed that the honorary consul's office in the Maldives is closed until further notice. However, the German authorities have not publicly disclosed the reason for the closure.

The Maldivian government has not issued a public explanation for the closure.