Bar Council of the Maldives (BCM) has extended the deadline for the payment for law firms, legal practices, and public notaries to March 31.
In a press release, BCM stated that the decision was made after law firms and lawyers requested that the deadline be extended. It added that the deadline for other payments remains unchanged on January 31.
BCM accepts fees ranging from USD33-325 for yearly fees, law firm registration permits to practice law at the High Court and Supreme Court, as well as approvals and renewals for public notary permits. BCM decided to accept fees for its services under the second amendment to the Legal Profession Act, which stipulates ways the council can gain revenue. As such, the council can gain revenue by accepting fees, providing services, conducting training programmes, and conducting other activities.
BCM is the professional body in the Maldives that regulates the profession of barristers including issuing permits, protecting the rights of lawyers, and ensuring lawyers are professional and the jurisdiction is run truthfully and justly.