The Ministry of Tourism has announced that only companies that are 100 percent owned by Maldivians can act as agents for foreign tourist vessels visiting the Maldives.

This decision follows an amendment made by the Ministry to the regulations governing the operation and docking of foreign tourist vessels in Maldivian waters. According to the new rules, only companies with Maldivian shareholders are eligible to serve as agents for these vessels. If a company is a partnership or sole proprietorship, it must also be fully owned by Maldivians.

The amendment further specifies that crew members and passengers on foreign vessels will be permitted to participate in expeditions, alongside licensed tour guides authorized under the regulations.

Regarding licensing fees, vessels measuring between 75 and 100 meters in length will be charged USD 650 per day, while non-cruise liners longer than 100 meters will face a daily fee of USD 750. Previously, vessels between 75 and 100 meters were subject to a fee of USD 700 per day for passenger licenses.

For smaller vessels, those less than 20 meters will be charged USD 100 per day, vessels between 20 and 35 meters will pay USD 250, and vessels between 35 and 45 meters will be charged USD 400 per day. Vessels between 45 and 75 meters will pay a daily license fee of USD 550, according to the new regulations.