Government is now accepting applications for permits to import more than two-wheelers into the country, ahead of new tightened regulations to ease the vehicle congestion facing the country.
The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation in April amended the relevant regulations to prohibit the import of four-wheelers without an approved garage permit. The new amendment will be in effect from 13 July.
The Ministry in an announcement on Monday, reminded the new regulation will come into effect on 13 July insisting that permits will be required for all vehicles except two-wheelers.
According to the Ministry, applications for import permits for such vehicles can now be submitted through the ministry's online portal "eportal.mta.gov.mv" The permit application form is available on the Ministry's website and at the reception.
Applicants are required to submit a copy of the permit for the garage, showroom, or warehouse where the vehicle will be parked, along with other relevant documents, it said.
The greater Male’ area is the most congested area in the Maldives with more than 100,000 vehicles registered in the city. The congestion has been exacerbated by years of neglect in vehicle imports and lack of oversight on new registrations.
The amended regulation is designed to address this long standing issue by ensuring parking and easing traffic congestion.