Social
An elderly man living alone in distress in G.Dh. Faresmaathodaa has been taken under the care of the Ministry of Social and Family Development with the assistance of the council and police. Ghufran Khalid, 26, from L. Kalaidhoo, who fled after crashing into a car parked on Berebedhimaa Hingun in Hulhumale' Phase 2, was arrested with drugs and alcohol and remanded in custody for 10 days. The regulations have been amended so that foreigners cannot convert to a work visa from within the country after entering on a business visa or special visa, and those coming to work must obtain a work permit entry pass prior to arrival. Additionally, applications have been opened publicly for employment opportunities in the Maldives Police Service. The police are also searching for a woman for an investigation in connection with a drug case. One hundred forty participants have been selected for the final round of the 36th National Quran Competition.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development (Gender Ministry) has provided necessary assistance to an elderly person living in distress in GDh. Faresmaathodaa. The ministry extended this assistance after the plight of the individual, who was living in hardship without adequate care on the island, was brought to attention. Accordingly, necessary help and cooperation were provided in conjunction with relevant authorities to ensure the person's basic needs and safety, and to secure a healthy environment. The ministry also continues its efforts to protect the rights of elderly individuals and to provide required care and assistance to them on a sustainable basis.
Opportunities have been opened to apply for employment in the Maldives Police Service, with an official recruitment announcement made on 15 September 2026. Under this announcement, eligible Maldivian citizens interested in joining the police service have been given the opportunity to apply. This recruitment drive aims to hire new personnel to augment law enforcement capacity throughout the Maldives and to further strengthen and expand police services. Selection for these posts will be based on specified general requirements and educational qualifications, giving priority to physically and otherwise capable individuals.
Police are working to locate a woman to summon her for investigation in connection with a drug-related case. Although they wanted to summon her for the investigation of the case, police have issued a public announcement instructing her to report for the investigation, as her specific whereabouts are unknown. Furthermore, anyone with any information regarding the person has been requested to share it with the relevant police authority as soon as possible.
In connection with a hit-and-run accident that occurred on 15 September 2026, a person was taken into police custody and arrested along with alcohol. When the vehicle, which attempted to flee after the incident occurred, was stopped and searched, alcohol was found in the possession of the person driving the vehicle. Police are currently investigating the cause of the accident and the possession of alcohol, and are working to take the necessary legal actions.
A total of 140 participants were selected for the finals of the National Quran Competition and have advanced to the final round of the contests. Having been selected for the finals based on their excellent recitation and skills demonstrated in the preliminary rounds, these are talented participants who will compete for top positions across various age categories and divisions. As participants in this round will be competing to achieve the highest accolades awarded at the national level, the finalists are currently making thorough preparations for the round. This competition is an important national event held annually with the aim of promoting the art of Quranic recitation in the Maldives and fostering love for the Quran in the hearts of youth and children.
On 15 September 2026, significant amendments were brought to the relevant regulations prohibiting the conversion of a Business Visa to a Work Visa after entering the Maldives. The main objective of introducing this change is to restrict the opportunity to enter the Maldives using a visa issued for business purposes and then convert it into employment authorization, thereby strengthening and better managing the Maldives' immigration system and job market. Following this newly introduced amendment, expatriates wishing to work in the Maldives must henceforth enter directly under a Work Visa in accordance with established regulations. This decision is a robust step taken towards ensuring compliance with visa regulations and addressing the issue of illegal expatriates residing in the Maldives.