The Mayor of Malé, Adam Azim, said that vendors at the Vilimalé local market often rely on foreign workers due to difficulties in recruiting local staff, while stressing that any regulatory response must be coordinated with the police and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.
He made the remarks during discussions at the Malé City Council’s fifth term second meeting, where members reviewed expiring rental agreements for market stalls and broader issues linked to their future allocation.
The Mayor noted that labour shortages among local workers have led some businesses to depend on foreign staff, and said the issue should be assessed alongside wider employment patterns across different sectors. He also cautioned against abrupt regulatory changes, pointing to enforcement challenges in other islands.
Council members also debated the management of the Vilimalé market, including proposals to reform stall allocation procedures and address concerns over misuse of leased spaces.
One proposal called for extending rental agreements for vendors with consistent payment records, while another suggested introducing a competitive bidding system supported by a points-based evaluation framework to prioritise regular businesses.
Concerns were also raised over reported non-use of stalls, informal subletting and limited availability of locally produced goods. One council member highlighted that only nine out of 20 plots are currently in use, suggesting improved allocation could enhance market activity.
Another member expressed concern over foreign nationals operating as shopkeepers, arguing that this contradicts existing regulations and calling for stricter enforcement.
The Mayor, however, said enforcement challenges persist due to informal employment arrangements and a lack of documentation, where workers are often presented as employees of leaseholders.
The council indicated that current rental agreements may be temporarily extended while a broader review of allocation policies is carried out. Members also discussed the need to finalise a revised framework before issuing new contracts, aiming to balance enforcement priorities, labour market realities and efficient use of market space.
