The government has decided to establish embassies in four additional countries, despite growing public concern over the high costs associated with maintaining the Maldives' overseas missions.
The new embassies are set to open in Egypt, South Africa, Australia, and Italy. "Mihaaru" news confirmed this development through a Right to Information (RTI) request.
With these four embassies added, the total number of Maldivian diplomatic missions abroad will rise to 25. The government currently spends MVR 54 million per month to maintain these missions, totalling MVR 648 million annually.
According to the Foreign Ministry, at least 82 political appointees are currently stationed at these overseas missions. Their salaries amount to MVR 1.85 million per month, which totals MVR 22.2 million per year.
The Maldives currently maintains embassies in 10 countries, high commissions in seven countries, and consulates in two countries. Additionally, a permanent mission to the United Nations is established in New York.
