hajam.ai
11 September 2026

International

At the invitation of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to make an official visit to the Maldives from September 14 to 15, 2026, during which plans are set to sign memorandums of understanding on defense and Islamic affairs, and establish a USD 100 million currency swap agreement. Under an agreement signed on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly by Maldivian Foreign Minister Irukesham Adam and Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov, arrangements have been made allowing citizens of both countries to travel and stay without any visa for 30 days at a time, up to a total of 90 days per year. Furthermore, following the enforcement of an agreement between the Maldives and Ghana, that country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on September 8, 2026, that Ghanaian citizens holding ordinary, service, and diplomatic passports will be able to travel to the Maldives visa-free for a period of 30 days.

The official visit of the Prime Minister of Malaysia to the Maldives is an important visit aimed at further strengthening the longstanding close relations between the two countries. During this visit, meetings will be held with senior government officials of both nations, and high-level discussions will take place regarding expanding relations in the fields of economy, education, and trade. In addition, it also aims to formulate official agreements to increase cooperation in various areas concerning the interests of the people of both nations. It is expected that this visit will elevate the diplomatic and brotherly relations between the Maldives and Malaysia to a new level.

The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, has approved the draft agreement established between the Maldives and Belarus for visa-free travel. According to the Belarusian Presidential Administration, under this agreement, citizens of both countries will be permitted to travel and enter without a visa, in addition to staying in the respective country for a period of 30 days at a time. Furthermore, under this agreement, opportunities will be facilitated to stay without a visa for a total not exceeding 90 days within a calendar year. President Lukashenko has instructed the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to pursue negotiations with the Maldivian government and complete the procedures required to sign the agreement.

Under an agreement reached between the two countries, it was announced on September 11, 2026, that citizens of Ghana will be able to travel to the Maldives without obtaining a prior visa. This concession is granted to Ghanaian citizens holding ordinary, service, and diplomatic passports, and under the agreement, citizens of that country can stay in the Maldives for a period of 30 days without a visa. This change is an important step taken to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries and facilitate travel opportunities. However, it was also informed that individuals traveling for employment, study, or long-term residence must obtain the relevant permits in advance.

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Also in this edition

Politics

In the PNC's internal elections, Heena Waleed was elected as the president of the party's Women's Wing and Ibrahim Abaan Abdul Latheef as the president of the Youth Wing. Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has heavily criticized the government and the administration of various state institutions. The Elections Commission has officially notified political parties not to make unsubstantiated allegations and false statements during political party activities and gatherings. Regarding the issue that arose concerning the sale of land in Hulhumalé for approximately MVR 400,000, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has not ordered to halt the transaction. The government has decided to commence the project to upgrade Malé's roads to modern standards within this year under Chinese grant assistance. Certain remarks made by Minister Ameen and MP Shujau have raised significant questions in the political arena. Mohamed Ismail stated that the most tyrannical regime in the Maldives was from 2013 to 2018.

Economy

Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam has stated that, in accordance with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's pledge, the minimum fish purchasing price has been set at 20 Rufiyaa per kilogram and that this price is being maintained along with cost-cutting measures. Citing MIRA statistics, the Ministry of Tourism revealed that the government has now initiated efforts to recover 97 million dollars owed to the state in resort rents and fines. Furthermore, Qatar Airways has announced its decision to increase flights from Doha to Male from 12 to 21 per week starting October 25, 2026.

Sports

The independent FIFA Ethics Committee decided on September 11, 2026, to ban former President of the Football Association of Maldives (FAM) Bassam Adeel Jaleel from all football-related activities for life and fine him CHF 1,000,000 (approximately USD 1.23 million) in connection with the misuse of FIFA COVID-19 Relief Plan funds for personal benefit. In addition, club coaches and captains have shared their perspectives and hopes for the upcoming Dhivehi Premier League 2026 season in preparation for the competition.