Government accused of selling land to foreigners tax-free while burdening small businesses with higher taxes
26 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ހޯމަ 10:29Member of Parliament Mauroof Zakir has expressed concern over the government's tax policies, stating they fail to benefit the public while criticizing the allocation of land to foreign entities under the guise of major investments that exempt them from state taxes. He further emphasized that large-scale projects such as Ras Male' should only proceed after conducting thorough public consultations.
Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir has stated that the government is selling off large portions of Maldivian land to foreign entities without any taxation to mask the reality of increasing tax burdens on small businesses. | raajje tv
Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency, Mauroof Zakir, has stated that the government is selling off vast tracts of Maldivian land to foreign parties tax-free as a tactic to divert attention from the increasing tax burden being placed on small businesses.
Speaking at Monday's parliamentary sitting, Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir stated that the public is currently bearing the brunt of the government's inconsistent and incoherent policies.
For instance, he noted that none of the amendments made to the tax laws by the 20th People's Majlis at the government's request appear to offer any tangible benefit to either the state or the public.
Mauroof stated that large-scale investments are being brought into the Maldives under the guise of "settlements," bypassing the country's comprehensive tax framework. He noted, however, that the state does not receive a single cent in tax revenue from such arrangements. Mauroof described this trend as a significant concern for the national economy.
Furthermore, Mauroof alleged that the government is selling off large portions of Maldivian land to foreign entities tax-free, in an attempt to mask the increasing tax burden being placed on small businesses.
He stated that this is not a transparent policy and warned that it would undermine the sovereignty of the Maldives.
Speaking on the Ras Male' project, Mauroof stated that a public referendum should be held before bringing Eagle Hills properties into the Maldives to execute the development. He called for major national decisions to be made only after seeking the people's input, while questioning the government's current direction.
