Economy
Visit Maldives CEO and Managing Director Abdulla Yasir noted that a special certification framework and dedicated facilities are needed to prevent cross-contamination of pork into other foods during food preparation in resort kitchens in the Maldives and to maintain halal standards. Following information received by a special police task force, two Bangladeshi nationals, Md Masud Ahmed and Abu Tahir, who were engaged in the illegal black-market dollar trade at rates higher than the official rate, have been arrested. Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan revealed that cases involving 12 key expatriates conducting illegal high-rate dollar exchange transactions are being investigated, with 9 of them already taken into immigration custody. In addition, police arrested six Bangladeshi nationals at Velana International Airport who were attempting to smuggle approximately 3.8 million Rufiyaa abroad in 18 different foreign currencies.
On 15 September 2026, the CEO of Visit Maldives expressed concern regarding the challenges and risks encountered in maintaining halal food standards in the kitchens of Maldivian resorts. The CEO highlighted that in order to promote Islamic tourism and maintain the trust of Muslim tourists, it is vital to pay close attention to halal standards at all stages of food preparation in resort kitchens. Furthermore, a call was made on that day for all relevant stakeholders to work together and take robust measures to protect against the obstacles and risks facing these standards.
Two expatriates who were conducting illegal transactions selling dollars at inflated rates were arrested on 15 September 2026 during a special operation conducted by relevant authorities. The two individuals were arrested in a joint operation carried out by police and relevant agencies following information received that they were engaged in the business of exchanging dollars at rates much higher than the stipulated official rate. As such illegal transactions adversely affect the Maldivian financial system and the foreign exchange market, relevant authorities are working to take necessary legal action in connection with this case. Furthermore, security services have now commenced the necessary work to further investigate the case of the two arrested expatriates and take action within the legal framework.