Economy.

Maldives Customs Service has seized over 8.5 million cigarettes attempted to be smuggled into the Maldives by sea; these items were discovered during an inspection of a shipment brought to the Male' Commercial Harbor and declared as "general cargo". Customs revealed that a total of 8,527,480 cigarette sticks were found in this operation and taken into their custody. Furthermore, Customs is currently investigating this as a serious matter to locate the parties involved in illegally smuggling these items and to further probe the case.

The Maldives' national airline, Maldivian, officially opened and commenced services at its new, modern seaplane terminal at Velana International Airport on September 29, 2026. With the opening of this new terminal, the quality of airport services provided to tourists and general travelers traveling via Maldivian's seaplane network will be elevated and made more convenient. Additionally, this marks a vital step forward in further expanding and modernizing the company's seaplane operations. This change will bring added momentum and advancement to the Maldives' tourism industry and aviation sector.

As revealed on 29 September 2026, some foreign tour operators have suspended or halted taking bookings to bring tourists to the Maldives. Industry stakeholders point out that this measure could pose major challenges to the country's tourism industry and economy. As a consequence of halting bookings, the number of tourists visiting the Maldives is expected to drop, adversely affecting resort and guesthouse businesses. Tourism industry stakeholders and relevant authorities are monitoring this situation very closely regarding this issue.

On September 29, 2026, Salah Shihab stated that the proportion of Maldivians among employees working in Maldivian resorts is 40 percent. Highlighting the level of involvement of Maldivian employees in the tourism sector, he noted this in connection with the importance of increasing the share of Maldivians in jobs within that sector. Furthermore, clarifying the current proportion of Maldivians in resort jobs, he stated in his remarks that this percentage is vital information reflecting the current situation of the labor market in the Maldivian tourism sector.

According to news published on September 29, 2026, the prices of substances hazardous to public health and various tobacco products have risen significantly. With this change, the market selling prices of tobacco as well as other health-damaging items have increased, bringing major changes to the prices at which such items are available in general businesses. While it is expected that this measure will encourage a reduction in the use of such hazardous products, attention regarding this matter has increased among relevant authorities and the general public following the price hike of these items.

As stated on 29 September 2026, increasing cold storage capacity is essential to bring about a sustainable and positive change to fish prices. The importance of establishing adequate cold storage facilities was emphasized in order to maintain the quality of fish caught in the fishing industry and sustain fair prices in the market. In this regard, it was stated that a permanent solution and fair prices for the fish caught by fishermen cannot be guaranteed without developing and expanding storage capacity.

The government has faced major criticism over claims that it is not taking adequate measures to reduce state budget expenditures. Critics noted that despite repeated calls from relevant authorities to decrease state recurrent expenditures in order to overcome economic difficulties, this has not been seen in practice. Many are expressing concern, particularly over the government's alleged negligence in controlling the heavy expenses incurred on political posts and administrative operations. Asserting that this is further deteriorating the country's financial situation and increasing economic risks, calls have also been made to review the government's policies.