Sun, 1 Nov 2026, 11:55 pm

ދިވެހި

ދިވެހިއަށް ބަދަލުކުރޭ

News

Two Maldivians repatriated from Turkey

Mar 7, 2026, 8:19 AM

Two of the three Maldivians who were stuck in Turkey after travelling to join a war in the Middle East have been repatriated.

At a press conference on Thursday (March 5), Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan said the three Maldivians were detained by the Turkish government.

A 14-year-old girl and her mother were brought back to the Maldives. They are currently at the National Integration Centre.

Ihusaan did not say why the third Maldivian national was not repatriated.

But he said that 23 people stranded in war zones have been brought back to the Maldives and reintegrated into society.

Many Maldivians travelled with their families to join terrorist groups in the Middle East, including the Islamic State (IS).

Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan Religious Extremism Terrorism Turkey

Comments

Malaysia's Bestinet expat system to be launched on April 1

Feb 24

HTS removed from list of terror groups

Feb 8

Turkish Tourism Minister trapped in CIP Terminal elevator in VIA

Jan 25

Bestinet expat system currently under testing

Jan 20

Latest News

Suspect arrested for repeated public nuisance escapes facility

Ahmed Fairish, a man arrested for public nuisance and harassment, has escaped from a drug treatment facility in Himmafushi. He was transferred there under police supervision following his recent arrest on October 17. Authorities are currently searching for the suspect, who has a history of criminal behavior and making death threats.

PNC secures both seats in election for LGA board

The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) won both seats in the election for the Local Government Authority board. PNC candidates Ali Ahmed and Maryam Zeena defeated their MDP rivals to represent local councils and Women’s Development Committees. The election occurred alongside the unopposed appointment of Kulhudhuffushi Mayor Mohamed Athif.

"MDP will end Rasmale' deal if it goes without consultation"

MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail warned that a future MDP government will terminate the Rasmalé project if it proceeds without public consultation. He opposes granting land to UAE’s Eagle Hills indefinitely, citing concerns over national sovereignty and the lack of acquisition costs. Fayyaz urged President Muizzu to allow for public debate.

Milestone as Thilamale Bridge connects Villimale and Gulhifalhu

The Thilamale Bridge has reached a major milestone by physically connecting Villimale and Gulhifalhu, creating a continuous link from Male'. Developed by Afcons Infrastructure, the project is now slated for completion in September 2026. Construction progressed through multiple phases despite political disputes over the project's timeline.

Sukuk or bond issue listed in budget for 2027

The government plans to issue a $175 million international bond or sukuk in 2027 to manage foreign debt, part of a $675 million three-year borrowing strategy. Despite past failures to enter the market and a "junk" credit rating, officials hope this move will ease financial pressure following a major reserve drawdown for previous repayments.

Government to deploy an AI-powered smart traffic system in Male'

The Maldives government has included an AI-powered "Smart Traffic Enforcement System" in next year’s budget to tackle congestion in Malé. Part of the "Maldives 2.0" policy, the initiative aims to modernize traffic monitoring through digitalization. The plan also includes a new data center and digital ID system to improve public services.

"President does not have authority to allow non-Muslim residency"

Former Chief Justice Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi argues that the President lacks the constitutional authority to grant long-term residency to non-Muslims in Rasmalé. He asserts that such sovereign power belongs solely to the people. Didi also criticized Jamiyyathul Salaf for supporting the government's plan under specific conditions.

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox