President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom declared a State of Emergency on February 5. Despite the declaration of the state of emergency, there are no restrictions in general movements, attaining services and businesses are not affected. In the capital city, Male’, life seem normal. Tourists were seen sightseeing around the city and students were seen going in their masses to the schools. The government and private offices were open and in service and people were seen living their normal lives, with no curfew in place. Government of Maldives has assured that all tourism related businesses will be operating as usual even though a State of Emergency has been declared in the Maldives. The State of Emergency was declared by a Presidential Decree for a period of 15 days, announced the Minister of Legal Affairs at the President's Office, Aishath Azima Shakoor.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Tourism regarding tourism related businesses, the Government assured that the situation remains stable and the State of Emergency does not force any restrictions on travelling to the Maldives or within the Maldives. All international airports including Velana International Airport and all domestic airports, tourist resorts, tourist hotels, tourist guest houses, tourist accommodating vessels and marinas are in full operation adding that all International and domestic flights, seaplane operations and all modes of transport are in operation, revealed the Tourism Ministry noting that the government assures the safety of the destination as public safety is of paramount importance.
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Moreover, the Government of Maldives revealed that schools will run as usual regardless of the declaration of the State of Emergency. The State of Emergency declared will not affect services provided by the Government, a tweet posted by the spokesperson of the President's Office said adding that schools and offices will be open and that there are no restrictions on the freedom of movement.
The statement issued by the President's office states that despite the declaration of State of Emergency, there will be no enforcement of a curfew; and general movements, services and businesses will not be affected. The services rendered by the government will not experience any changes, further noted the statement. Government of the Maldives has assured to work to ensure the safety of the public.
In addition, Maldives National Chamber of Commerce (MNCCI) has assured the international community and the foreign tourists that despite the declaration of a State of Emergency in the Maldives, the country is functioning normally without any unrest. Government offices, schools and public services are available without any disruption, according to a press release by MNCCI. In addition, the chamber noted that no curfew was imposed with the state of emergency and cited that freedom of movement has not been restricted even in the capital city Male' and the Maldivian people are free to go about their normal lives.
MNCCI urged against any efforts both locally and internationally to undermine the Maldivian tourism sector.