The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade says authorities have shut down 107 businesses operating illegally in the Maldives as part of an ongoing nationwide enforcement campaign targeting businesses run in violation of the country’s laws and regulations.
The operation follows the establishment of a national task force after the ministry, on November 27 last year, called on the public to report businesses allegedly being operated illegally by expatriates.
According to the ministry, the task force—comprising several government agencies, including the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade—has been carrying out inspections across the country to identify and take action against unauthorised business activities.
The ministry said the enforcement drive is aimed at identifying businesses operated by foreigners using Maldivians as local fronts, stopping foreign nationals from operating businesses in sectors reserved for Maldivians under the Foreign Investment Act, and taking legal action against those found to be in breach of the law.
Statistics released by the ministry on Sunday covering inspections carried out between November 2025 and July 2026 show that authorities received 447 complaints relating to suspected illegal business operations during the period.
Based on those complaints, the task force inspected 274 businesses across the country.
The inspections resulted in the closure of 107 businesses, while 68 businesses were subsequently permitted to resume operations after meeting the necessary legal and regulatory requirements.
The ministry did not disclose the sectors in which the businesses were operating or provide details of the specific violations identified during the inspections.
Authorities have repeatedly stated that action against illegally operated businesses forms part of broader efforts to ensure fair competition, strengthen compliance with business regulations and protect opportunities reserved for Maldivian entrepreneurs under existing laws.
The ministry has encouraged members of the public to continue reporting suspected illegal business activities involving foreign nationals.
Reports can be submitted by calling the ministry’s hotline on 3333199 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on official working days. Complaints can also be lodged at any time through the ministry’s online reporting portal.
