The Bar Council of the Maldives has gazetted the regulations to allow foreign lawyers to practice in the Maldives.
As per the new regulations, foreign lawyers can practice in the Maldives after attaining relevant permits via registered law firms as well as Prosecutor General’s Office (PG) and Attorney General’s Office (AG). The Bar Council said its executive committee will issue permits to practice after verifying foreign lawyers are certified. In addition, they will also be vetted to see if they have any criminal charges against them.
Additionally, the lawyers permitted to practice must follow the relevant laws of the Maldives, and strictly observe all regulations and procedures of the court as well as upheld the practices of the discipline. The lawyers will also be required refrain from engaging in other businesses.
The regulations states USD 130 will be charged for permits to practice at lower courts, while USD 325 will be charged to practice at the High Court. Meanwhile, USD 650 will be charged from foreign lawyers who wish to practice at the Supreme Court. Bar Council stated the permit shall carry a validity period of one year from the date of issue.