News

First Amendment to the Uninhabited Islands Act of Maldives [Law No. 25/2022] On 18th December 2022, the first amendment to the Uninhabited Islands Act of Maldives (Law no. 25/2022) was ratified.   The amendment grants island and city councils the power to control the leasing of uninhabited islands within their respective jurisdictions in accordance with the regulation that […]

Maldives enacts Waste Management Act [Law No. 24/2022] On 18th December 2022, Maldives enacted the Waste Management Act [Law no. 24/2022].  The Act specifies the standards and procedures for sustainable waste management and governs the implementation and enforcement of practices and regulations designed to reduce the harmful effects of waste and safeguard public health. The

Maldives ratifies Chemical Weapons Prohibition Act [Law no. 22/2022] On 18th December 2022, Maldives ratified the Chemical Weapons Prohibition Act (Law no. 22/2022).  As the Maldives is a signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), the Act prohibits chemical weapons in accordance with the CWC, which prohibits the development, production, stockpiling, and use of chemical

Fourth amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act of Maldives [Law No. 12/2016] On 24th November 2022, the fourth amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act of Maldives (Law no. 12/2016) was ratified. The amendment revised the procedures governing court warrants for imposing travel restrictions on suspects. The duration given to the Prosecutor General’s Office to file

Goods and Services Tax increased due to volatile changes to the global economy: Sixth amendment to the Goods and Services Tax Act of Maldives [Law no. 10/2011] On 22nd November 2022, the sixth amendment to the Goods and Services Tax Act of Maldives (Law no. 10/2011) was ratified. The amendment revises the Goods and Services

Tenth amendment to the Decentralization Act of Maldives [Law no. 7/2010]: All you need to know On 10th November 2022, the tenth amendment to the Decentralization Act of Maldives (Law no. 7/2010) was ratified. Under the amendment, if the seat of a member of the Women’s Development Committee becomes vacant, the Local Government Authority shall

Third amendment to the Judicial Service Commission Act of Maldives [Law no. 10/2008] On 03rd November 2022, the third amendment to the Judicial Service Commission Act of Maldives [Law no. 10/2008] was ratified. Under the amendment, within 14 days, excluding public holidays, from the date of submission of a case to the Commission, the Committee

First amendment to the Utility Regulatory Authority Act of Maldives [Law no. 26/2020] On 31st October 2022, the first amendment to the Utility Regulatory Authority Act of Maldives (Law no. 26/2020) was ratified. With the addition of a new clause under Section 34 of the Act, the Utility Regulatory Authority in consultation with the utility

Recipients of the special licensing issued in 2020 are no longer required to sit for the bar exam: Second amendment to the Legal Profession Act of Maldives (Law No. 5/2019) The Legal Profession Act of Maldives (Law no. 5/2019), introduced the following two essential requirements for becoming licensed to practice as a lawyer in the

Seventh amendment to Employment Act of Maldives [Law no. 2/2008]: All you need to know On 21st September 2022, the seventh amendment to Employment Act of Maldives (Act No. 2/2008) was ratified. Under this amendment, the Minister of Economic Development, based on the recommendation of the Minimum Wage Advisory Board, which reflects the economic situation, self-sufficiency, and productivity of