Raft of bills rushed through to fulfil pledges
Legal changes to eliminate tariffs on agricultural equipment were approved Tuesday.

11 Dec 2018, 9:00 AM
Legal profession bill
Whistleblower protection bill
Presidential commissions bill
Amendments to Tourism Act – transfer powers to authorise projects on resorts from the tourism ministry back to the Environment Protection Agency
Amendments to Company Act – authorise registrar of companies to dissolve companies that fail to pay annual fees or submit paperwork. The number of companies that failed to pay the annual fee or submit financial records, director’s reports and audit reports has exceeded 7,000 during the past 22 years.
Amendments to Jails and Parole Act – allow non-commissioned officers at the Maldives Correctional Services to be appointed Commissioner of Prisons and Director of Prisons. The former post is currently vacant.
Amendments to National Language Act – bring Dhivehi Language Academy under newly-created ministry of arts, heritage and culture
Amendments to Pension Act – allow utilisation of retirement pension scheme savings to finance first-time Hajj pilgrimages and cover 50 percent of the cost
Amendments to National University Act – remove inconsistencies that arose due to changes brought in July 2015 to authorise the president to appoint nine members to the university’s council
Amendments to Import-Export Act – eliminate tariff on diesel used by powerhouses and fishing boats