Maldives
The Government receives numerous complaints regarding foreigners conducting illegal businesses in violation of existing laws and regulations. Based on these complaints, the Ministry has identified that illegal business operations by foreigners typically occur through:
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Using Maldivians as fronts to obtain all necessary licenses and permits, while foreigners primarily control and conduct the actual business operations.
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Foreign businesses operating in sectors prohibited to foreigners under the Foreign Investment Act 11/2024, without obtaining any requisite licenses or permits.
The government has initiated several interventions to address this public concern. These include the Foreign Investment Act 11/2024, which was passed by the People’s Majlis on 22 August 2024 and published in the Government Gazette on 3 September 2024, along with the subsequent announcement Ref: (IUL)101-IM/PRIV/2025/2) issued by the Ministry on 8 October 2025. This announcement clearly defines the sectors where foreign parties are permitted to conduct business in the Maldives, as well as those that are strictly prohibited to foreigners.
The Ministry invites anyone with information about businesses operating illegally in the Maldives to report such matters to the government through the following channels:
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Via the Ministry’s website: https://trade.gov.mv/en/report-business/
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By calling the Ministry’s hotline 3333199 between 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM on all government working days
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Through Immigration Watch at: https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/report-offence
All information received will be forwarded to the “National Taskforce on Combating Illegal Expatriate Operations and Businesses” for immediate review and action. This taskforce comprises the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Maldives Police Service, Maldives Immigration, and other relevant government enforcement agencies.
The Ministry assures swift action against reported illegal business operations. Information can be submitted anonymously through reporting options (1) and (3) above.
The areas where foreigners are prohibited from conducting business in the Maldives is annexed with this announcement.