Economic Ministry Gazettes Guidelines to Obtain Permit for Operation in the Restriction Period
In light of the stricter measures put in place to curb the virus surge in the Greater Male’ Region, the following guidelines are to be followed in the process of obtaining permits for business operation, as gazetted by the Ministry of Economic Development.
Commercial traders
Businesses that sell commercial good can obtain delivery permit for 2 support staff and 2 delivery staff via the police portal. Delivery services are allowed from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. whilst shops can remain open for walk-in customers from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Strict adherence to HPA guidelines are a must for both staff and customers alike.
Should the business require extra permits for staff, it can be requested at the ministry via email with all required information. If the total number of additional permits exceed 10 staff, operations must be carried out in two sessions.
Catering service providers
Cafes, restaurants and other food outlets are to remain closed for dine-in services. However, takeaway is allowed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. while delivery services can be carried out from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. All catering service providers are allowed permits for 4 support staff and 2 delivery staff via the police portal. Extra permits for up to 10 staff can be requested at the ministry via email with all required information. If the total number of additional permits exceed 10 staff, operations must be carried out in two sessions.
Permit for registered businesses to work at office
Businesses that require staff to work on necessary services at the office must inform the ministry of the duty requirements of the staff going to work via email. These include airline staff, airport staff, studio workers and so on. If more than 10 staff are required to work together, sessions must be carried in out in two, after details are approved by the ministry.
Vehicle permits for business and staff
Businesses and staff who are permitted to work need not obtain an extra permit for the vehicle used for delivery and transport. However, business delivery vehicles that were permitted before must have a separate permit for the driver/staff. It can be obtained via a detailed email to the ministry.
Permits issued on previous occasions
Permits that were issued for businesses from February 13, 2021 onwards are still eligible.
Commercial work carried out in Thilafushi
Staff who work in godowns, boatyards and other establishments in Thilafushi are not required to obtain a separate permit during this time to travel to work. This includes those who reside in Thilafushi for work purposes as well. They can utilize the staff permit provided to the businesses accordingly to travel between Male’ and Thilafushi.
Construction site operations
During two week period of restriction, permits will be issued to continue construction work that would otherwise acquire damage if discontinued. The permits will be issued after the evaluation of the request upon submitting for a permit to the relevant authorities. In this regard, construction permits will be issued for sites in Male and Villimale by the Male City Council and for sites in Hulhumale by Housing Development Corporation.
Sites that will be given a permit to continue work must require either of the following work done:
- Sites dug up for foundation work
- Sites that have begun slab shattering work
- Engineers will be given permit to inspect work at the above mentioned sites
- Sites that facilitate the residence of workers in the site perimeters, without contact to the public
To apply for permits, businesses are required to email the relevant information to Male City Council and HDC.
The period of restrictions is from now until June 9, 2021. Businesses must note that respective permits will only be issued for the employees of that business.