Maldives government has publicised the Foreign Investment Policy after classifying 29 business activities as prohibited types for foreign investments.

The policy published on Government Gazette details all business activities a foreigner can conduct as well as those that are prohibited. It also detailed areas open for collaboration with the government.

As such, below are some of the prohibited activities:

- Soil mining

- Any other type of mining

- Production of any tobacco products

- Manufacturing any wooden items except furniture

- Production of rubber or any plastic items

- Sale and creation of any handicraft work

- Retail trade

- Wholesale except G2 types

- Picnic island

- Postal service

- Logistic service

- F&B activities

- Rent and Lease

- Photography and Videography

- Judicial services

- Programing and broadcasting activities

- Travel Agency and Tour Operations

- Construction

- Employment activities

- Tuition classes

The aim of the foreign investment policy is to increase the number of inbound foreign investors and to develop the country as a whole.

The policy that has been endorsed will be next reviewed on December 31st.

Registration for foreign investments are carried out between 8.00am and 2.00pm on all working days at the Foreign Investment Unit of the Economic Ministry at Velaanage.