Maldives

Two expatriates have been arrested from Hulhumale’ with a large number of vape cartridges, two nanosticks and alcohol; a tip received at Police Intelligence gave way to the process that led to their arrest

The 'Hulhumale' Anex-2 power plant was inaugurated by the State Electricity Company, ahead of the peak electricity consumption season

1.820 people were found to be the rightful beneficiaries of the first 4.000 housing units under the 'Gedhoruveriya' programme, said the Minister of Housing

The State Trading Organization has announced changes in the times and places of distribution of government-donated tuna crates in the Male area for Ramadan

President Mohamed Muizzu appointed Ahmed Nashid as Vice-President of the Anti-Corruption Commission; Ahmed Nashid was previously Assistant Police Commissioner and served on the Police Council

The government of the Maldives commissioned the Thai company Control Data to redesign the system for managing civil registration, vital statistics and identification

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation announced a major promotional campaign in Germany ahead of the ITB Berlin 2025 tourism fair to be held 4-6 March

The Maldives Immigration, referring to the Henley Passport Index, announced that the Maldivian passport was again ranked as the strongest in South Asia

The National Disaster Management Council has approved the 'Maldives Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy 2024-2030', which focuses primarily on protecting the environment and safeguarding against natural and other disasters

Amendments to the Tobacco Control Act, which prohibit the import, sale, free distribution and use of vaping devices and electronic cigarettes in the Maldives, came into force on 15 December; already nine persons have been sanctioned

The country recorded 1,9 million tourist arrivals to date this year, an increase over the previous two years; the largest number of tourist arrivals came from China, 13,4% of the total

At a press conference on the government's efforts to control tobacco in the Maldives, Minister Nazim mentioned that cessation clinics are in operation and revealed the establishment of helpline 1676

The Kulhudhuffushi City Knowledge Centre, opened by the municipality, was established together with a public library and a wellness centre; the new space for the community will be hub to foster learning, growth and mutual engagement