The Male’ City Council has introduced entry fees for foreigners visiting the city’s parks. The resolution was reached today at the council’s weekly meeting. The park entry fees, with a few exceptions, will be implemented on 15 July and will vary based on different circumstances.
The resolution received majority approval from the 11 members in attendance at today’s meeting.
Fee structure
- Foreigner with a valid work permit: MVR 15
- Undocumented foreigner: MVR 50
- Foreigner with a tourist visa: MVR 75
- Foreigner with camera: MVR 500
Exemptions
Certain groups of foreigners, however, will be exempt from paying any fees for park entry. These groups include foreigners who are senior citizens or domestic workers residing in the city, maids accompanied by children and foreigners aged under 18. Additionally, diplomatic cardholders will also be exempt from paying entry fees.
At the council’s 104th meeting in May, Mayor Dr Ahmed Muizzu addressed the issue by emphasising that charging non-nationals for utilising public facilities is a common practice in other countries, and it should not be viewed as discrimination.
In the past, during the tenure of former President Abdulla Yameen, a fee was imposed on foreigners visiting Sultan Park. However, this fee was discontinued after the change in government.