The Maldives held its first national tax forum on Saturday, bringing together experts and policymakers to discuss how the country can build a stronger and more efficient tax system.
Organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Maldives and the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority, the Maldives Tax Forum 2025 focused on the theme “Shaping a Smarter Tax Future.” The event convened tax professionals, lawyers and accountants to examine challenges in tax administration, ranging from payment difficulties to international compliance requirements.
A recurring concern was the complexity foreign nationals face when navigating the Maldivian tax system. Participants noted that clearer guidance and more streamlined procedures would support better compliance and reduce obstacles for those working or investing in the Maldives.
Speakers also highlighted MIRA’s ongoing move towards greater digitalisation. Efforts to automate tax administration were presented as a pathway to improving efficiency, strengthening transparency and reducing administrative gaps.
Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel, addressing the forum, said the reliability of a country’s tax system has strategic value on the international stage. “Investors, development banks and governments look at how a country generates and maintains its own revenue, and a modern reliable tax system is the strongest calling card a country can carry in any international transaction.”
The forum served as a platform for open dialogue among regulators, professionals and policymakers, marking an important step in shaping a more responsive and inclusive tax environment in the Maldives.
