Higher Education Minister Dr. Ali Haidar has said the government will ensure that the six percent tax to be imposed on international students in Malaysia from July 1 will not be a burden on Maldivian students.
Haidar told Adhadhu that the Maldives government has not been officially informed about an additional tax on international students in Malaysia. But he said discussions will be held with relevant authorities to ensure such a tax would not burden students.
"We don't know yet. We are looking into those reports. We will try to make sure things are not a burden on the students," he said.
Haidar noted that the largest number of Maldivian students is based in Malaysia. However, the minister said he did not know the exact figure.
Reports say Malaysia will impose a six percent tax on foreign students studying in private pre-schools, schools, colleges, universities and language centres in the country starting from July.
Malaysia's Sales and Service Tax (SST) rules have been amended to require foreign students who pay RM 60,000 a year to pay the tax.
In early June, the Malaysian Finance Ministry announced that it would expand the tax base to improve the country's fiscal situation and increase revenue.
Malaysia aims to reach 250,000 foreign students this year. However, there are questions about whether this target can be achieved with the introduction of a tax on foreign students.
