President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has decided to transfer the Communications Authority of Maldives (CAM) to the Homeland Security Ministry. This decision, made under the powers granted to the president by Article 116(a) of the Constitution, alters the administrative landscape for the regulation of communications in the Maldives.
Previously, CAM was managed by the Ministry of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works, following the administrative structure that had been in place since President Muizzu assumed office in November 2023. The recent transfer reflects a strategic decision to bring the regulation of the communications sector under the ambit of national security and cyber protection.
With this decision, the Homeland Security Ministry now has oversight of eight key agencies, including Maldives Immigration, the National Centre for Information Technology (NCIT), the Communications Authority of Maldives (CAM), the Department of National Registration (DNR), the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Labour Relations Authority, the National Drug Agency (NDA), and National Cyber Security. This expansion further consolidates the Ministry’s role in overseeing critical national functions related to security and information management.
The Communications Authority of Maldives holds a vital mandate to regulate the communications sector, promoting competition in communication services and developing these services in line with national policies. This sector encompasses telecommunications, postal services, and Information Technology, which are essential for the country’s socio-economic development.
CAM operates under the guidance of a Board of Directors, who are responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Maldives Telecommunications Act 2015, the Communications Authority of Maldives Act, and other applicable laws and regulations governing the sector. The Regulatory Board has the authority to delegate its powers and functions to specific divisions, sections, or personnel within the Authority.
The Chief Executive of CAM, empowered by the Board of Directors, is tasked with implementing the Board’s decisions in accordance with the relevant legislative frameworks, ensuring that the Authority’s operations align with national objectives.
The transfer of CAM to the Homeland Security Ministry indicates a broader government strategy to centralise oversight of critical infrastructure sectors under a single ministry, aligning them with national security priorities. This move is likely to impact the regulatory environment for communications in the Maldives, potentially shaping the future landscape of telecommunications, postal services, and Information Technology.
As the Homeland Security Ministry takes on an expanded role, it will be closely watched how these changes affect the regulatory framework and the overall development of the communications sector in the country.
