In a pointed X post tonight, Maamigili MP and Public Accounts Committee Chair Qasim Ibrahim—also a leading resort owner and head of Villa Group—demanded that Category A resorts pay their staff tips and service charges in U.S. dollars, in line with recent legal provisions.
Since January 1, 2025, the Foreign Currency Act obligates these resorts to convert either $500 per tourist or 20 percent of their monthly dollar revenues into Maldivian Rufiyaa . Qasim highlights that service charges are collected in U.S. dollars—from tourists directly—making it clear that employees have the right to receive these earnings in the same currency.
He warned that forcing staff to accept service charges in Rufiyaa, despite their refusal, risks violating Article 212 of the Maldives Penal Code—potentially classifying the action as embezzlement of entrusted funds. According to Qasim, returning money in its original currency isn’t just lawful—it’s a moral and religious duty, and employees would likely prevail in court if they bring legal action over currency disputes.
As someone who runs Category A resorts with thousands of employees, Qasim acknowledged operational pressures but refused to let them justify undermining employee rights. “We too face difficulty—but public interest must take precedence” he wrote.
He extended his stance to salaries, stating that contracts guaranteeing wages in dollars must be honored unless employees themselves agree to a switch. Abrupt changes mid-contract without consent, he cautioned, are unacceptable.
This public warning follows reports of resorts seeking relief from conversion obligations. The Maldives Monetary Authority introduced the option to convert by tourist or revenue percentage amid pushback from operators; still, over 50 resorts have flagged compliance challenges. Meanwhile, government enforcement mechanisms and penalties for conversion violations were clarified under recent Foreign Currency regulations.
Qasim’s X post places the spotlight on a brewing conflict: the legal and ethical rights of resort employees versus the financial strain on operators. His dual perspective—as a major employer and a lawmaker—adds weight to the debate.
As a veteran politician and tourism visionary with deep industry roots, Qasim’s message carries both moral authority and legislative backing. His X post challenges resorts with a clear imperative: respect the law, preserve employee earnings, and avoid legal battles—or face the consequences.
This story is poised to shape the national dialogue. It will test how tourism businesses balance compliance, contract integrity, and staff welfare under the rule of law. Resorts now have a choice: adapt, align, and pay in dollars—or risk litigation, public outrage, and legal scrutiny.
