Solih: Move to amend GST laws just three days after implementation highlights inconsistency of president's decisions
5 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ހޯމަ 08:29Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has criticized the government’s decision to reverse the implementation of TGST on foreign tour operators just three days after its introduction, labeling it an inconsistent policy. He further noted that such abrupt reversals indicate that significant decisions are being made without adequate research or proper consultation with stakeholders.
Solih: Move to amend GST laws just three days after implementation highlights inconsistency in President's decisions. | raajje tv
Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that the government's decision to amend the law due to industry concerns—just three days after implementing a requirement for foreign tour operators to pay TGST—demonstrates a significant lack of consistency in government policies and decision-making.
The former president made these remarks during an exclusive interview with RaajjeTV, following a meeting with residents of Hulhumale'.
Solih stated that the government amended the GST Act approximately one month ago, noting that the changes were implemented despite widespread claims from various parties that the move should be avoided and would be impossible to execute.
However, noting that the decision to amend the law was made within just three days of implementing the change, Solih stated that this demonstrates the government’s decisions are made without any foresight or due diligence.
Continuing his remarks, the former president stated that these decisions were not made through consultation or based on factual reality, which is why further changes are once again becoming necessary.
Tourism The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), the largest body representing tour operators in India, has expressed concern over recent changes to the Maldives' tax regulations. These amendments mandate that foreign businesses selling Maldivian tourism products must now register for and pay Tourism Goods and Services Tax (TGST).
The association has called on the Maldivian government to reconsider its decision and engage in consultations with Indian tour operators and key stakeholders in the international tourism industry before implementing these changes.
Following a review of the proposals, Minister of Tourism Mohamed Ameen announced during the official ceremony marking World Tourism Day that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has decided to amend the legislation governing the taxation of foreign tour operators.
However, even when these changes were initially passed, numerous individuals were already calling for the move to be halted.
