The government has submitted a bill to the Parliament, proposing amendments to the Waste Management Act that would make the import of any type of waste into the Maldives a criminal offence.

According to the bill, the amendments aim to explicitly prohibit the import of waste, strengthen the legal framework for waste management and address challenges faced in enforcing the existing law. The proposed changes also seek to clarify the responsibilities of the relevant authorities, including the Ministry, the Utility Regulatory Authority and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Under the current law, waste may only be imported with permission from the relevant ministry. The proposed amendment would remove that provision and instead make the import of any type of waste into the Maldives an offence.

The bill is now before the People's Majlis for consideration.