Bank of Maldives rejected social media claims about restricted access to international e-commerce platforms, noting that 58,000 transactions worth US$ 2.33 million were successfully processed on Amazon and AliExpress since January. The bank attributed declined transactions to customers exceeding foreign transaction limits from accounts with Maldivian Rufiyaa, and urged business users to switch to its dedicated commercial banking solutions for large-scale purchases.
Vandals damaged railings along the Bandaara Kilhi boardwalk in Fuvahmulah, tearing out sections and throwing them into the wetlands, including in seating and shelter areas. Fuvahmulah City Council, which shared footage of the destruction on Facebook, condemned the recurring damage to the popular landmark.
A cat stranded on a deserted island in Meemu atoll was rescued after tourists on a passing safari posted a plea for help on social media. The Zoophilist Society of Maldives and Tofu Foundation mounted a two-day rescue operation, successfully retrieving the cat and transferring it to the care of an animal lover in Maduvvari. The cat will receive a health check, be neutered, and put up for adoption with the public invited to suggest a name.
UK Reform Party leader Nigel Farage travelled to the Maldives by private jet, spending just over a day in the country before returning to the UK, without giving advance notice of his visit to the British government, The Guardian reported. Farage claimed the British government requested Maldives block his humanitarian mission to deliver food and medical supplies to four Chagossians on Île du Coin, located 300 miles south of Maldives. A group of Chagossians, who sailed from Sri Lanka and landed on the uninhabited island last week, are attempting to establish a permanent settlement in their former homeland to block the UK's handover of the archipelago to Mauritius. British authorities served them eviction papers, though a UK court has temporarily blocked the deportation order.
Maldives Airports Company Limited reversed a controversial circular that required employees to work more than 48 hours before qualifying for overtime during Ramadan, following criticism from staff and the public. Under the reinstated policy, shift-duty employees will receive overtime pay after working more than five hours in a day, in line with previous Ramadan practice.
Saudi Arabia donated 15 tons of dates to the Maldives. Saudi Ambassador Yahya Hassan Al-Qahtani presented the gift to Islamic Minister Dr Shaheem. The donation is part of a larger contribution of 50 tons pledged to the Maldivian people this year. Distribution arrangements are currently being coordinated, the ministry said.
Bank of Maldives announced Maldivian customers seeking medical treatment abroad can apply for US dollars, submit documents, and track applications directly through its Mobile Banking App. Aasandha and NSPA patients are eligible for up to US$ 2,000, while self-financing travellers can receive up to US$ 1,000, with funds credited exclusively to USD accounts.
High Court Judge Hassan Shafiu was sworn in as a member of the Judicial Service Commission, filling the vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Mohamed Niyaz.
The Civil Court ordered Mohamed 'Colonel' Nasheed, former leader of the dissolved Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party, to personally repay over MVR 4 million (US$ 259,000) owed to a company run by former MP Ahmed Amir for services rendered to the party. The ruling, issued in Nasheed's absence, gives him 14 days to settle the debt, which remained unpaid when the Elections Commission dissolved the party in December 2022.
Riffath Abdullah, a former lawyer for the Elections Commission, was appointed as a member of the commission, replacing Dr Mohamed Zahir whose term expired on February 21. All five sitting EC members have now been appointed by President Muizzu, who also holds the power to appoint the commission's president and deputy president following amendments to the EC law.
The Elections Commission called for greater public awareness ahead of the nationwide referendum to be held alongside the Local Council and Women's Development Committee elections on April 4. Voters will be asked whether they support ratifying the 8th Constitutional Amendment, a bill passed by parliament to hold future presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day, which would also shorten the current parliamentary term. EC member Hassan Zakariyya urged political parties and civil society organisations to help inform the public about the referendum question, noting that holding it alongside the council elections would avoid significant additional costs.
President Muizzu announced completion of the reclamation of 112 hectares in Haa Alif Dhidhdhoo in 50 days, with 549,240 cubic metres of sand dredged for the project.
