Detailed information regarding Ras Male' project and visa-related matters disclosed, alongside a call for youth to conduct further research into these issues

Ismail Zariyand, a prominent financial expert, has expressed grave concerns over the issuance of residency visas to foreigners and the government’s ambitious Ras Male' development project, alleging that these initiatives are influenced by Israeli and Zionist interests.

Speaking on a RaajjeTV talk show, Zariyand stated that a close contact from Georgia had informed him of a significant threat facing the Maldives, similar to the ongoing Israeli settlement activities in that region. He noted that this information came to light around the time President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu assumed office, shortly before the 2024 parliamentary elections.

Zariyand stated that he has since been monitoring the influx of investments into the Maldives and the government's fiscal activities. He noted that Housing Minister Dr. Abdulla Muththalib published an article in Maldives Independent, which argued that granting visas to foreigners would attract significant foreign investment and bolster the financial sector. However, Zariyand contended that these claims do not align with the country’s current financial data. He further emphasized that reaching such a state would require a long-term commitment and substantial sacrifices.

Commenting on President Muizzu’s travels and the government’s conduct, Zariyand noted that the President visited the UAE following his election victory but prior to his inauguration, highlighting that no details regarding that trip were ever disclosed. He further observed that when the Ras Male' project was announced approximately three months later, President Muizzu’s proposal to construct an underwater tunnel across the Vaadhoo Channel appeared to have been made without prior cabinet consultation. Zariyand pointed out that just a few months after the announcement, Minister Muththalib stated that such technology is currently unavailable in the Maldives and that the project is not feasible.

This implies that the President made such remarks after consulting with an external group, rather than with members of his own administration.

Ismail Zariyand

Zariyand stated that the government has been holding the annual Maldives Investment Forum and traveling to countries such as the UAE, Malaysia, and Singapore, noting that the Maldives signed an agreement with Henley & Partners on June 1, 2025. He highlighted that following this agreement, Minister of Economic Development Mohamed Saeed announced that property buyers in the Maldives would be eligible for visas, while former President Mohamed Nasheed also posted on X regarding the importance of migration to the Maldives.

Furthermore, referring to the relationship between Henley & Partners and Eagle Hills, Zariyand stated that Henley & Partners has a documented history of exerting influence over nations and manipulating internal affairs to suit their interests by providing financial incentives to opposition parties.

He noted that reports from the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), an investigative organization, reveal that the company has funded presidential elections in Caribbean island nations. He further alleged that Henley & Partners has conducted financial transactions with both Maldivian opposition figures and individuals linked to the ruling party. Additionally, Zariyand stated that the Maldives' residency program was advertised in Israel in June 2025 through PR Newswire, with the promotional material written in Hebrew.

Zariyand stated that although no direct link between Henley & Partners and Eagle Hills is evident in public documentation, their actions suggest a hidden connection. He noted that Eagle Hills consistently follows Henley & Partners into every market where the latter advertises.

Zariyand stated that he supports borrowing to drive the Maldives' economic growth, facilitate investments, and enhance business development.

However, he emphasized that no room would be given to any activities involving Israeli Zionists that could impact the Maldives' Islamic faith, national identity, or the well-being of its citizens. Zariyand stated that the Chairman of Eagle Hills has direct ties to Israel, noting that he invested over $300 million in the country even as Gaza was being bombarded and children were being killed.

Zariyand stated that efforts have been made to settle Israelis in countries such as Greece, Cyprus, Malta, and across the Caribbean. He emphasized that it is vital for Maldivian youth to remain vigilant and conduct further research into these developments for the sake of the nation's future.