Maldives Immigration has said that business visas required to cover, observe or monitor next month's presidential election will only be given to those that hold permits from the Elections Commission.

In a notice issued on Wednesday, Immigration emphasized that all parties interested in covering, observing or monitoring the election 'will be required to obtain a business visa', adding that the visas will be issues to those that hold the required permit from the Elections Commission.

Noting that 'engaging in any activity or work to monitor, observe or cover election in any manner under tourist visa is a punishable offence' under Maldives laws, Immigration said that it will be implementing 'punitive measures for those who are found in violation'.

It further reminded that a business visa applicant should arrive in the Maldives only after being granted approval and that those who arrive prior 'will be rejected on arrival'.

While the presidential election is scheduled for September 23, Maldives Immigration said that the deadline for applying for business visa is September 15.