Over 100 Massage Parlours Shut Down as Gov’t Targets Illegal Operations

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said that 104 massage parlours have been closed over the past month, while more than 200 additional establishments remain in operation and are expected to be shut down.

The President made the remarks after inaugurating the ruling Progressive National Congress’s newly expanded headquarters, a four-storey office building opened on January 8, 2026. He said the government is taking action, in consultation with the public, to address practices it considers harmful and entrenched in the country.

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He stated that previous administrations had attempted to close massage parlours but had not achieved lasting results. According to the President, the latest closures followed the launch of a special operation on December 9 targeting such businesses in Malé’.

The President also urged operators to voluntarily cease operations, end irregular activities, and ensure that foreign nationals brought to the country on tourist visas are no longer involved in such businesses.

Massage parlours have operated in the Maldives for many years, with authorities periodically conducting enforcement operations that result in closures and arrests. Foreign nationals are often linked to these establishments, and Immigration authorities have been taking action against both foreigners and Maldivians involved in illegal operations.