The Islamic Ministry declared that today (March 30) is Eid. The decision was based on the sighting of the new moon in Saudi Arabia, although the new moon was not yet seen in the Maldives at time of press.

A recent raid against migrant workers failed to follow due process, police said in a statement, as the workers had all the necessary legal paperwork. Police said the raid was related to bribery charges against the former chief of the Immigration Service. According to the statement, one of the workers had a large amount of cash that was returned to him following the immigration’s chief’s request for his “urgent” release.

The government opened applications for 500 new loans for students pursuing higher education outside the country. The application deadline is April 30.

Half a million rufiyaa will be donated to the children of Gaza, out of MVR12 million (US$780,000) collected as Zakat, according to the Islamic Ministry. Those registered on the Ministry’s list as eligible to receive charity in the Maldives had each been given MVR 4,500 (US$292) as their share of Zakat, the ministry said.

Police shuttered 14 locations after declaring them “drug cafes”, a police official told state media, PSM News. Police were seeking to close six other properties but were finding it difficult due to ownership disputes relating to the property.

Three state-owned enterprises were contracted to build health facilities in 10 islands, including a hospital in Velidhoo, Noonu Atoll, Nellaidhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll and Thulusdhoo in Kaafu Atoll at a cost of over MVR 100 million (US$6.5 million). Hospitals in Rasdhoo in Alifu Alifu Atoll and Villingili in Gaafu Alifu Atoll are to be built for over MVR 185 million (US$12 million). The contracts were handed to RDC, Fenaka and MTCC.

President Muizzu has amended the jurisdiction for Kelaa in Haa Alifu Atoll to exclude a 325 hectare area within the island's lagoon, declaring the site for the development of two tourist resorts.

Malé city council has imposed a ban on vehicles in the capital area from 4pm to 6pm on Eid.