MPS warns expats, tourists over public dress code violations

The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has issued an appeal to foreign residents and tourists, urging strict adherence to the nation’s social and ethical standards regarding attire in public spaces. Authorities emphasized that legal measures will be enforced against individuals found dressed in revealing clothing that breaches local norms.

In an official statement issued on Friday, the police reiterated that preserving the moral and social fabric of Maldivian society is a collective responsibility shared by everyone residing in the archipelago.

“Upholding the moral and social standards of Maldivian society is a collective responsibility of all residents in the Maldives. The Maldives Police Service reminds expatriates living in the country to respect Maldivian culture and traditions, and to fulfill their obligation to adhere to the community's social and ethical standards when in public spaces and on the streets.” 

Maldives Police Service

The institution highlighted that expatriates have a clear obligation to respect Maldivian traditions, culture, and established community conduct while navigating public spaces and residential streets.

The directive follows recent observations by law enforcement that certain expatriate residents have appeared in public wearing revealing attire deemed inconsistent with domestic cultural and moral standards.

To safeguard public peace and social harmony, MPS confirmed it will exercise its legal mandate to take action against offenders under Law No. 11/2010, the Act on Prohibiting Conduct Violating Public Social Standards.

“We have observed that some expatriates currently residing in the Maldives have been appearing in public and on the streets dressed in revealing attire that violates general social norms. Such actions are inconsistent with the established codes of conduct and morality of our society. To prevent circumstances that could negatively impact public peace and social harmony, the Maldives Police Service will exercise its legal mandate to take necessary action against such individuals under Law No. 11/2010 (The Act on Prohibiting Conduct Violating Public Social Standards).”

Maldives Police Service 

In addition to this, authorities have called on employers, sponsors, and community supervisors to take proactive steps in monitoring the conduct of those under their care, ensuring full compliance with local dress codes to prevent potential infractions.

The advisory also extends beyond long-term foreign workers to the tourism sector. MPS directed tourism service providers, including guesthouses and tour operators, to inform international visitors of local expectations. While relaxed dress codes including swimwear, are permitted within designated resort islands and demarcated tourist zones, visitors must dress modestly and adhere to public social standards whenever visiting inhabited local islands and public urban areas.

“The Maldives Police Service further urges and reminds those responsible for expatriates to ensure that the conduct of those under their supervision aligns with these standards and that such violations do not occur. Furthermore, apart from residents, the Maldives Police Service advises service providers of tourists to ensure that visitors respect Maldivian culture and traditions by dressing in accordance with public social standards when outside of designated tourist areas. We also wish to inform that legal action will be taken against those who act in violation of these regulations.”

Maldives Police Service

Authorities reiterated that failure to comply with these regulations will result in legal proceedings under the existing legal framework.