Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has stated that the government will, God willing, address public concerns, strengthen Maldivian businesses, and prioritise the growth of Maldivian entrepreneurship.

The Minister made these remarks in a post on X, following today’s announcement by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade urging the public to report businesses illegally operated by foreigners.

He noted that establishing a formal mechanism for reporting such activities is an additional boost to the government’s ongoing efforts to find a permanent solution to this long-standing issue of public concern.

The Minister further highlighted that bringing an end to the 1979 Foreign Investment Act after 46 years—and drafting, approving, and gazetting a completely new, modern, and robust law—has created a historic opportunity for the government to put a stop to the illegal operation of businesses by foreigners in the Maldives and to take decisive action with full legal authority.

“God willing, starting next week, this work will accelerate, and the public will begin to see positive results,” he stated.

He also noted that special initiatives are being coordinated with relevant executive agencies, particularly the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology and the Economic Ministry.

“A dedicated link to report businesses illegally operated by foreigners has been included in the announcement. These issues can only be resolved through cooperation between the government and the public. We must work together, with a shared purpose, to deny opportunities for illegal business operations and to ensure no foreigner conducts business under the guise of a Maldivian,” the Minister said.