Government has proposed several amendments to the Tourism Act. An amendment bill to achieve the changes is now in parliament. After preliminary debate, the bill is now in committee stage – waiting to be reviewed in detail. If these changes are accepted, and the bill is ultimately adopted, that would be the 11th Amendment to the …
New rules have been brought into effect to provide for the regulatory regime necessary to allow bifurcation of tourism leases. In 2020, the Tenth Amendment was brought to the Tourism Act on 27 December 2020. Among other things, section 5-1 of the Tenth Amendment enabled legislative change to split tourism leases for islands falling within …
It is widely believed that the Maldives is for all practical purposes, a network society. In this country, one’s network matters. His connections matter. Being part of a network is not bad in itself. However, using that network to obtain favors through government agencies or companies may now be considered as “peddling in influence” or …
Minister of Tourism recently issued a three-year ultimatum for resorts idling in the “under development” category of properties. He made the statement in parliament taking a stand on tourism leases where islands remain idle without any form of development despite having consumed several years of the lease period. The rule change His reference is to …
The Three Year Ultimatum for Idling Resort Islands Read More »
In a gazette publication of 23 December 2021, the Ministry of Tourism has updated the Rent Regulations governing payment of land (lease) rent in respect of islands, lagoons, and land given for tourism development. The gazette citation is 2020/R-171. These Rent Regulations are made with reference to section 16-19 of the Tourism Act as updated …
HAPPY NEW YEAR [Key words – travel – tax – passengers – international travel – airport] On 1 January 2022, three major changes will come into effect for passengers departing Velana International Airport: firstly, the Airport Service Charge will be discontinued; secondly, the rate for Airport Development Fee will be increased; and thirdly, a Departure …
[Key words – tenancy – property – residential – rent – lease – law – tenant – landlord] A law regulating the renting of residential properties in the Maldives has been introduced. The citation for the law is Residential Tenancies Act 21/2021. Scope of the law The law sets out the rights of the landlord …
