President Nasheed and President Solih met reporters at the MDP office, presenting a united front as they pledged to work together in April's local council elections and hold the government accountable. The pair downplayed the acrimonious rift that split the MDP ahead of Solih's failed re-election bid in 2023. Despite differences of opinion and backing rival candidates in the upcoming primaries, the "childhood friends" said they could not “stay far” from each other for long, claiming the MDP's internal democratic structure was resilient enough to withstand leadership disputes, and pledging to support the party's candidates. Both said they would seek to work together with former President Yameen. They refused to answer any questions about the 2028 presidential election, saying it was too early.
The homeland security ministry announced a mass legalisation programme for undocumented migrant workers, including those without valid work permits or identification documents. The scheme offers job-matching services for regularised workers, who were asked to register online. Employers will be allowed to hire from the registry. The announcement was issued in English, Hindi, Bangla, and Tamil.
Police are working on issuing Interpol notices for Maldivians based in countries like Thailand and Malaysia to send drugs, officers said at a press briefing by the Drug Enforcement Department. Three Maldivians based in Malaysia have been smuggling drugs concealed inside electronics and kitchenware sent via sea cargo and air cargo shipments. The number of "drug cafes” operated in Malé has dropped from 50 to 30 after targeted operations shuttered 11 dens over the past year. Charges have been raised against the owners of six residences. A dozen suspects were meanwhile arrested in separate drug cases this week.
The Housing Development Corporation warned of action against recipients of social housing units in Hulhumalé who sublet their apartments to foreigners. Tenants and owners were instructed to evict any foreign occupants by January 3. Agreements will be terminated for those who continue renting to foreigners after the deadline, HDC said.
Police rescued 17 tourists and nine crew members after the live-aboard vessel Yasava Princess caught fire three miles off Vaavu Kuda Anbaraa. The tourists included five men and 12 women. The crew were three Maldivians, five Bangladeshi nationals, and one German.
The wife and family of Mohamed Ameen, who was convicted in 2023 on terrorism charges over recruitment for the Islamic State organisation, were denied entry to Malaysia. The family, including children and a toddler, was stranded at the airport "without suitable food for the children" for nearly 24 hours, according to his wife. The Maldives High Commission in Kuala Lumpur provided food at 9pm and arranged their return on a Thursday morning flight.
The environment and tourism ministry lacks the capacity and resources to monitor every dredger involved in land reclamation projects nationwide, Minister Thoriq told reporters when asked about complaints of illegal sand mining near resorts around Malé. Environmental impacts from development are inevitable, but the government aims to minimise harm, he said, adding that action would be taken if developers are identified and proven to have breached regulations.
