Tourism bill accepted after heated debate

Bill proposed by majority leader, ViliMale’ MP Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik to amend Tourism Act has been accepted into People’s Majlis after heated debate.

It was accepted on Tuesday with the vote of 35 members. 20 members voted to reject the bill.

Major components of the bill:

• Islands, lagoons and land can only be leased with permission from President’s Office

• Islands, lagoons and land can be leased without public announcement

• Government has the right to sell off their shares in joint venture companies

• The island, lagoon or land leased needs to be appropriate in terms of its environment to run the proposed project

• Acquisition fee needs to be paid in bulk

• Green tax of USD 6 taken from guesthouses

The bill was passed after a heated debate – during which the Majlis session had to be recessed.