Over 50 Resorts Given Flexible Tax Payment Options To Mitigate Financial Difficulties Due To The Pandemic

On Sunday, a press conference was held at the President’s Office by Spokesperson Mohamed Mabrook Azeez, Legal Counsel to the President Uz Ahmed Abdulla Afeef – where they went into detail on the administration’s efforts to this end.  

Speaking at the press conference, the Spokesperson noted that due to the financial difficulties arising out the of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government had accommodated flexible tax payment options for over 50 resorts. The decision to allow flexible payments options was come to after consulting with the Economic Council. Reasons cited include that the government was working towards finding ways businesses can continue their operations without interruptions and whereas the tourism industry comprise of a multitude of workers – an interruption in operations would adversely affect many people.

To mitigate financial difficulties arising out of the pandemic for tourism industry workers, the Government have also provided stimulus packages and income support allowances to those who had lost their jobs.  

In 2020, health authorities in the Maldives came to the difficult decision to close the borders of the country – putting the tourism sector which the nation’s economy is entirely reliant on to the major halt. Tourists resort were left with no choice but to put a pause on their operations consequent to which many were left unemployed.  

While industry experts anticipated to welcome over a million tourists last year, the year closed with the poll ending at just 555.213 arrivals.