President Dr. Muizzu Upholds Rule of Law to Safeguard Peace and Unity Across the Maldives

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu meeting with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Maldives Police Service (MPS)

President and Commander-in-Chief of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, inaugurating the Maldives National Service

Under his administration, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is determined to deliver tangible outcomes by addressing the most pressing issues faced by people. The gravity of challenges persisting due to the abuse of illegal narcotics to the presence of undocumented expatriate workers and the prevalence of gang-related crimes have been highlighted on numerous occasions. According to Dr. Muizzu, resolving these issues would bring harmony to society and interventions from local councils, non-governmental organisations and other pivotal stakeholders are required to effectively address these challenges. 
Ratification of key legislation 
One of the key legislation ratified in a bid to address the aforementioned challenges is the First Amendment to the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act (Law No. 2/2015). This Amendment aims to enhance and refine the existing legal framework governing mutual legal assistance among countries in matters related to cybercrime and offenses utilizing computer systems and emerging technologies. The amendment sets forth new procedures aimed at improving the discovery of electronic evidence, the preservation and access of information stored in computing systems and the real-time retrieval of traffic data. The amendment also establishes a dedicated 24/7 network designed to facilitate the exchange of information regarding crimes associated with computer data. 
The Prevention of Gang and Other Serious Offences Act No. 7/2025 ratified by President Dr. Muizzu defines offenders and penalties related to gang activity and serious organised crimes in the Maldives. It enhances law enforcement powers, introduces measures to protect children from gang involvement and establishes systems to monitor and manage high-risk individuals. Some of the key provisions of the Act include confiscation of illicit wealth and assets linked to gang activity, serious crime or illicit enrichment through judicial processes, criminalization of financial support to gangs, preventive measures to protect children from recruitment into gangs among others. 
The Fifth Amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act No. 12/2016 ratified by President Dr. Muizzu seeks to enhance the existing bail system outlined in the current Act by instituting new guidelines and procedures while also amending the established protocols governing bail during investigation or trial periods. The Amendment also introduces a comprehensive mechanism aimed at addressing cyber crimes perpetrated through new technologies and computer systems. The bill also facilitates real-time data requests through a system to be established jointly by financial authorities and law enforcement entities. 
The Second Amendment to the Tobacco Control Act No. 15/2010 ratified earlier this year introduces a generational ban on tobacco in the Maldives. Under the new legislation the sale, purchase and use of tobacco products are prohibited for individuals born on or after January 1, 2007. Individuals under the age of 21 are barred from participating in any tobacco-related sales or commercial activities offering additional protection to young people. The amended law also prohibits all forms of tobacco advertising, sponsorship and promotional activities. In addition, a ban on the sale and use of vaping devices was implemented to minimize the harm caused by the sale of such products. President Dr. Muizzu underscored the fact that the youth and general public must remain healthy in order to contribute to national growth. President Dr. Muizzu recently received a World No-Tobacco Day Special Recognition Award by the World Health Organisation in recognition of his leadership and commitment to protecting public health through robust tobacco control measures. 
President Dr. Muizzu has affirmed to ratify the Asset Recovery Bill once the People’s Majlis passes it and forwards it for ratification. He stated that government agencies will begin to actively pursue all individuals involved in major cases of theft and corruption from the moment the Bill comes into effect. 
Regulation of economic activities 
President Dr. Muizzu recently announced the launch of a nationwide operation to identify and prevent unlicensed businesses operated by expatriates, ensuring that all economic activities are conducted in accordance with the law, and repatriating undocumented expatriates. He highlighted that his administration has identified 178,982 undocumented expatriates to date and has successfully facilitated the repatriation of more than 8000 individuals in recent months. 
The Cabinet in a previous instance has also resolved to strengthen the enforcement system to address illegal immigration into the Maldives. This includes establishing and publicly disclosing a list of companies that neglect their responsibilities towards migrant workers upon arrival, enforcing penalties for employer non-compliance and taking further action if these issues recur. The government has decided to conduct audits and pursue strict legal action against undocumented workers. This is intended to eliminate obstacles to employment opportunities for Maldivian youth caused by the presence of undocumented workers. 
Commitment to advance the health sector 
President Dr. Muizzu has underscored the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle in order to contribute to national development in a meaningful manner. 

Some of the progressive initiatives undertaken to improve the health sector include several healthcare projects initiated in Malé City. The relocation of the Maldivian Blood Services and the Thalassemia and Other Haemoglobinopathies Centre features expanded wards for women and children, increased blood storage capacity and upgraded human and technical resources. The improvements were made in consultation with thalassemia patients and their families. The upgraded emergency services facility at Hulhumalé Hospital includes modern medical technology and includes a resuscitation room designed to manage critical emergencies efficiently. The new 75-bed Multi-Speciality Surgical Wing at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital increases capacity for general, neurosurgical, plastic, orthopedic and urological procedures, thereby strengthening the specialized services at the country’s main referral hospital. 

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu meeting with Uz Abdul Ghanee Mohamed, Chief Justice of the Maldives

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu meeting with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF)

The First Amendment to the Health Service Act No. 29/2015 expands the National Health Service system to ensure that public health services meet stringent safety and quality standards, thereby safeguarding the physical and mental well-being of citizens. 
President Dr. Muizzu has already implemented changes to the Aasandha healthcare system. Under the current framework, pharmacies sell Government-subsidised medicines at varying prices, resulting in unfair profits for certain groups. The President pledged to end this practice, vowing that every Rufiyaa spent through Aasandha will directly benefit the well-being of Maldivian citizens. He affirmed that public health remains a cornerstone of nation-building, highlighting the importance of establishing a reliable healthcare system for those in need of medical attention.
In order to strengthen the supply and procurement of medicines, medical consumables and equipment across the country, President Dr. Muizzu established a new state-owned company named the State Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Corporation Limited. He also inaugurated MCGH Opticals established under the Malé City Group of Hospitals to provide opticianry services as part of the Government’s healthcare initiative. This initiative provides a variety of services including eye prescription assessments, diagnosis of specific eye conditions and dispensing prescription glasses. 
Constitutional amendments and empowering citizens 
President Dr. Muizzu underscores that the purpose of the Constitution is to declare and define the sovereign power of the state and its territory, define the power of people, define the rights and responsibilities of people and define the system, order and arrangements for the administration of rule of law. He also noted that the power to decide on the referendum, which was in the hands of a few, has been left in the hands of the people. He also encouraged citizens to view each national achievement as a source of joy and pride, urging all to be patriotic and prioritise love for their nation. He expressed his hope for the continuation of stability and confidence over cooperation of Maldivian people that would contribute to comprehensive development. He appealed to every citizens to consider fostering unity and harmony as a personal responsibility.  
Inauguration of the Maldives National Service 
The President recently inaugurated the Maldives National Service to cultivate Maldivian citizens who uphold national identity, demonstrate responsibility, and are physically fit, spiritually grounded and mentally resilient. He urged participants to regard training as an opportunity to secure a brighter future and to realise their personal growth. Some of its objectives include to revive and strengthen nationalism and instill pride in Maldivian identity, faith and heritage, to train and prepare youth for potential careers and to facilitate recruitment for national security services, to equips Maldivian youth with essential life skills to become productive and responsibility citizens among others. 
Strengthening national food safety standards
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu emphasized that food safety is the bedrock of both public health and economic resilience. He underscored the role of scientific research and evidence-based practices in tackling food borne illnesses, protecting public wellbeing and boosting national economy. He reiterated the Government’s dedication to ensuring that all food consumed by the public is safe, nutritious and trustworthy while urging collective at every level to support the country’s food safety agenda. In a bid to become a self-sufficient nation, the government also plans to prioritise islands activities in the Maldives’ agriculture industry to attract investments to achieve this goal. He underscored the need for achieving self-sufficiency in infrastructure, economic and social growth, emphasizing the importance of reforming the decision-making process to mitigate external influences. 
Reaffirming his Administration’s stance, President Dr. Muizzu stressed that matters concerning public safety, law and order will be addressed decisively and that the Government will remain steadfast in upholding the rule of law in all its undertakings. 

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu signing the Prevention of Gang and Other Serious Offences Act (Act No. 7/2025)

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu with Mr. Ismail Naveen the Commissioner of Police