Maldives Moves to Strictly Enforce Resort Rent Payments

The Ministry of Tourism has announced that the government will take decisive action against tourism operators who have fallen behind on lease‑related rent and fines, as well as those that have ceased operations without official approval. 

In a statement, the Ministry said it will pursue entities operating under the Tourism Act and associated regulations that have failed to settle outstanding payments stipulated in their lease agreements, urging them to clear dues immediately. 

While the announcement did not detail the specific measures, officials noted that the ministry retains the authority to impose additional fines, terminate lease contracts, and repossess the properties of non‑compliant resorts.

According to data released by the Maldives Integrated Revenue Authority (MIRA), unpaid resort rent rose from MVR 5.7 billion to MVR 6 billion during the first three months of the year. 

However, the government reported that around MVR 2 billion of the arrears were recovered in the same period, primarily through the issuance of payment notices and the temporary freezing of bank accounts. 

The Ministry warned that further enforcement steps—including possible lease terminations and state repossession of resort assets—remain on the table should operators continue to neglect their financial obligations.