Ministry: No permission for any foreign photographer in Maldives

Ministry of Economic Affairs has said that there was no special permission for any foreign photographer to operate in Maldives, warning that it will be put a stop to.

Speaking to “Sun” on Wednesday, Registrar of Companies, Mariyam Wisam said that the photography industry was specialized only for locals, but that some foreign photographers were still working in the country.

“Some big resorts are speaking in a way which is creating misunderstandings. They insist they have special permission. There is no special permission. We want to say clearly that no special permission has been given to any business or any party involved in tourism for any foreign photographer to make any agreement with a photography agency,” said Wisam.

Wisam said that complaints regarding foreign photographers sent to Ministry of Economic Affairs were being looked into in association with Ministry of Tourism and Immigration.

She noted that banning foreign photographers from working in Maldives was directly beneficial to the Maldivian youth.

Foreign photographers have earned MVR 11 million within the first six months of this year alone, despite the ban.