President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has characterized resort owners as "politicians who do not wish any good for the poor" after the majority of operators decided not to comply with the change in foreign exchange rules.
Muizzu's post on X did not name any particular groups. However, he said that the people will soon see the politicians who do not want the poor to benefit.
"Politicians who do not wish any good for the poor will be very clear to the people in the future! This government will continue to be on the side of the people and bring prosperity for everyone equally!" he wrote.
Government spokesperson Heena Waleed did not respond to messages and phone calls seeking further information on the post.
Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) introduced new rules on October 1 to force tourist facilities to change dollars at a fixed rate for every tourist visiting the country as part of measures to solve the dollar shortage problem.
The changes were brought to the Foreign Currency Regulation and Money Changing Business Regulation.
Under the changes, all transactions in Maldives must be done in Maldivian Rufiyaa. But many exceptions were given to businesses earning revenue in foreign currency.
While the rules require the total income to be deposited in banks, a certain amount has to be changed. The amount is USD 500 for each tourist visiting resorts, integrated resorts, resort hotels, hotels, tourist vessels and other such places.
The amount set for guesthouses and hotels in inhabited islands with less than 50 rooms is USD 25 per tourist.
A senior tourism industry official told Adhadhu on Wednesday night that more than 50 resort operators have sent letters to the MMA saying they will not comply with the new rules.
