List reveals 85 MACL employees paid high salaries with no assigned work, including celebrities and ex-MPs
The government is facing intense criticism following revelations that several political appointees are receiving high salaries at Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) without performing any actual work, further straining state expenses and the economy. Despite the President’s pledge to reduce the number of political positions, critics accuse the administration of concealing the true figures and exerting political influence through state-owned enterprises.
Ibrahim Shareef, CEO and Managing Director of MACL, speaking at a press conference. | MACL | MACL
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has released a list of 85 employees who are reportedly receiving high salaries despite having no assigned work responsibilities.
A list disclosed on X reveals that 85 individuals at Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) receive high salaries, each below the 50,000 Rufiyaa threshold. The list includes prominent film stars, former members of parliament, and a journalist.
All staff receive salaries exceeding MVR 20,000. Among them, Hassan Najeeb and Zeenaz Adnan both earn a monthly salary of MVR 50,000.
The list circulating on X (formerly Twitter) has sparked widespread public criticism directed at both MACL and the government.
At a time when the economy is already strained by the conflict in the Middle East, President Muizzu's administration is further burdening the state and wasting public tax revenue. Furthermore, instead of providing opportunities for educated youth and skilled professionals, the government is driving state-owned enterprises toward bankruptcy to achieve specific political objectives.
Under the current administration, projects outside of MACL's core mandate are also being awarded to the company. These include tasks such as the procurement of ambulances.
A list containing the names of 85 employees receiving high salaries without performing any actual work at Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has been leaked, despite President Muizzu’s pledge to limit the number of political appointees to no more than 700 during this administration. Extensive efforts are currently being made to keep the total number of political appointments confidential.
In a statement issued on July 15, 2025, following public criticism and inquiries from journalists, the President's Office disclosed that there were 922 employees in political positions at the time. Despite finally releasing these figures after extensive efforts to keep the details of political appointees confidential, the President's Office continues to refuse to disclose information regarding the 248 employees reportedly dismissed in November 2024 as part of the government's announced austerity measures.
Since then, numerous individuals have been appointed to political positions in connection with the recent Local Council elections, the Women's Development Committee elections, and the referendum. However, the total number of these appointments remains unknown.
Reports indicate that some individuals appointed to political positions within the government lack assigned tasks or even basic office infrastructure, such as desks and chairs. Furthermore, it is alleged that some appointees only visit their offices to record their attendance. Information also suggests that the total number of political appointments under the current administration is expected to exceed 2,500.
