Rethinking DEI and Meritocracy in the Maldives
Across much of the world, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has shifted from being a progressive rallying cry to a contested ideal....
Report: Maldives Resorts’ Tax Evasion Practices Persist as Government Introduces Tougher Measures
The Maldives government is ramping up efforts to tighten the noose on tax evasion within its lucrative tourism sector. As Parliament reviews...
Report: Gov’t Subsidies, from Generalised Support to Targeted Transfers
Government subsidies have long played a crucial role in supporting households and mitigating the impact of economic pressures on vulnerable communities. However,...
Report: Bank of Maldives Faces Erosion of Public Trust Amid Ongoing Scandals and Controversies
For years, the Bank of Maldives (BML) has faced mounting criticism from the public over its handling of various financial issues, ranging...
Report: Maldives’ Subsidy System, A Lifeline for the People or a Boon for the...
The Maldives' economy relies heavily on state subsidies to ease the cost of living for its citizens. From healthcare and electricity to...
Financial Literacy: Empowering Maldivians Through Education and Awareness
In the rapidly evolving global economy, financial literacy has become an essential skill for both individual well-being and national economic stability. The...
Report: Maldives’ Year in Review – Major Economic Developments of 2024
The year 2024 marked a significant chapter for the Maldivian economy, with notable achievements in the tourism sector tempered by ongoing concerns...
Green Tax in Focus: Tourism Growth Fuels Fiscal and Environmental Gains
Green Tax Revenue Surges with Tourism Recovery
As of 5 June 2025, the Green Tax has generated MVR 966.3...
Report: The Economic Impacts of Climate Change on the Maldives’ Fisheries Industry
The Maldives heavily depends on its fisheries sector, which plays a critical role in the nation’s economy and livelihoods. As a primary...
Report: The Costly Economics of Parliamentary Elections in Maldives
As the fervour of the parliamentary campaign reaches its zenith in the Maldives, a glaring reality emerges from the shadows - the...
The Fragile Balance: Separation of Powers, Absolute Power, and the Future of the Maldives
On 26 February 2025, the Maldives witnessed a seismic shift in its democratic framework. The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), leveraging its...
Report: Prioritising Completion Over Expansion, Rethinking Maldives’ Tourism Development
The Maldives is at a critical juncture in its tourism strategy. Despite a decade-long surge in tourist arrivals, the nation now faces...
When the State Goes Digital Before It Goes Honest
In a glossy rollout that included international delegates and a flurry of press releases, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu unveiled Maldives 2.0, a...
Eager to Work, Nowhere to Go: A Portrait of Maldivian Youth in Today’s Labour...
The recent turnout of nearly 1,000 young Maldivians for just 50 entry-level positions at the Maldives Immigration has reignited an ongoing conversation...
Report: Maldivians Still Overlooked in Resort Jobs Despite Localisation Efforts
The Maldivian hospitality industry remains one of the largest employers in the country, yet systemic biases continue to limit the representation of...
Report: Rising Energy Costs, Advocating for Enhanced Renewable Energy Incentives
Residents of Malé City have seen a significant rise in their electricity bills, creating a financial burden for many households. This situation...
Report: The Maldives’ Role in Shaping Global Climate Finance
The 29th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP29) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) convened in Baku,...
Report: The Shadow Economy, Undocumented Workers and the Hidden Cost to the Maldives
For years, the Maldives has faced an entrenched problem—undocumented migrant workers. An estimated 60,000 labourers, working outside the bounds of legality, have...
State-Owned Enterprises: Strategic Assets or Economic Burdens?
Within the span of a week, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu established two new state-owned enterprises (SOEs), aiming to address financial and infrastructural...
Report: The Permanent Address Dilemma, Inequality and Economic Challenges in Maldives Residency Rights
The issue of permanent address and residency rights in the Maldives has long been a topic of contention, revealing underlying inequalities and...
Report: New Housing Loan Scheme, Ambitious Vision or Economic Gamble?
The Maldivian government's recent launch of the 'Hiyaavahi' finance scheme has been hailed by many as a significant step towards addressing the...
Report: Mitigating Brain Drain, Economic Impacts and Solutions for the Maldives
Brain drain, the emigration of highly skilled professionals, poses significant economic challenges for the Maldives. The departure of doctors, engineers, educators, and...
Can Cricket Heal the Maldives’ India Tourism Crisis?
The Maldives’ tourism industry has been thriving with record visitor numbers, yet one notable weak spot has emerged: tourist arrivals from...
The Politicisation of the Maldives Monetary Authority: A Call for Central Bank Independence
Recent events have reignited concerns about political influence over the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), illustrating the urgent need to safeguard the institution's...