Friday
26th Apr 2024
Dhivehi Edition
President Solih. Photo: President's Office
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih stated that increasing fees and taxes at this time should be reconsidered.
The bill to increase fees and taxes collected from outbound passengers was presented to parliament in 2019 by the representative for Fuvahmulah-North constituency Mohamed Rasheed. Although a significant amount of time has passed, the committee did not make any changes except for the dates.
The parliament on Tuesday decided to pass a bill introducing a departure tax and increasing airport development fees. However, it is debated whether now is the right time to increase fees. During a press conference at the President's Office on Tuesday, President Solih divulged, "I will consider the date the bill will come into effect at the committee stage".
Committee reports read that the date was changed to the following year as advised by the Ministry of Finance, as the initial duration had expired.
While the President has stated he will reconsider the date, Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer requested prompt action as the bill affects state revenue.