The COVID-19 compliance audit of Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed the COVID-19 expenditure of the institution was in compliance with the Public Finance Act.
The audit report of the foreign ministry include amounts the state received during the pandemic and the spending of the ministry on evacuating Maldivians stranded abroad. The report stated the ministry spent USD 471,000 on COVID-19 related expenditure by June 30. The report concluded all expenses were undertaken in accordance to the Public Finance Act and the regulations of the Ministry of Finance.
Following the report, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid thanked the staff of the ministry and the staff at the diplomatic missions. The minister said the report is a representation of dedication and commitment of the staff noting it also indicates the effort of the staff in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic in the Maldives as staff worked effortlessly in making arrangements for repatriation and stranded Maldivians abroad.
Auditor General’s Office has publicised COVID-19 compliance audit reports of four government ministries thus far. The audits identified significant irregularities in the expenditure undertaken by Ministry of Tourism and Ministry Health. Meanwhile the audits revealed Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Foreign Affairs adhered to laws in spending.