Ministry Shuts Down 37 Businesses In Crackdown On Illegal Operations
Nearly 100 businesses inspected, 37 confirmed shut in Maldives’ | Photo: Maldives Immigration
The Ministry of Economic Development has inspected nearly 100 businesses suspected of operating illegally and confirmed that 37 establishments have been shut down as part of an ongoing enforcement crackdown.
ގަވާއިދާ ޚިލާފަށް ހިންގާ ވިޔަފާރިތައް ބަލައިފާސްކުރުމުގެ އެންމެ ފަހުގެ އަދާހަމަ. #EconomicDevelopment pic.twitter.com/WddZyPhfTX
— Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (@MoEDmv) December 16, 2025advertisement
In a statement issued yesterday, the ministry said it received 252 complaints between 29 November and 16 December. During this two-week period, inspections were carried out at 98 businesses.
Of the 37 businesses closed, 25 were shut down for violations of laws under the ministry’s jurisdiction, while 12 were closed for breaches of other legal provisions. The ministry added that eight of the businesses were later permitted to reopen. No further details were disclosed regarding the specific violations or the sectors involved.
The ministry has established an anonymous reporting system on its website to gather information on illegal business activities, with particular focus on operations involving foreign nationals. The initiative forms part of a broader effort led by the National Taskforce on Combating Illegal Expatriate Operations and Businesses, which includes the Maldives Immigration, the Maldives Police Service, and other enforcement agencies.
Minister of Economic Development Mohamed Saeed had announced on 27 November that enforcement efforts would be intensified from the following week. The ministry has since reiterated its commitment to take swift action on verified complaints.
The crackdown follows increasing concerns over foreigners operating businesses in sectors restricted under the Foreign Investment Act, often by using Maldivians as legal fronts.
