Saturday
20th Apr 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Moosa Yameen Shahid.
Released information shows that the state spends over MVR 1 million (US$ 65,152.80) on living expenses for the spouse of Moosa Yameen Shahid, the son of Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid.
Moosa Yameen Shahid serves as the Counselor at the Embassy of Maldives in the UK. Disclosures show that he receives MVR 1.65 million (US$ 107,502.12) annually.
- Breakdown of Moosa Yameen Shahid’s pay:
- Basic salary: MVR 180,000 (US$ 11,727.50)
- - Ramadan allowance: MVR 3,000 (US$ 195.46)
- - Special allowance to the post: MVR 128,418 (US$ 8,366.79)
- - Commuting allowance: MVR 55,142 (US$ 3,592.66)
- - Dependent’s allowance: MVR 1,166,492 (US$ 76,000.22)
- - Other allowances: MVR 119,536 (US$ 7,788.11)
- - Total: MVR 1,652,588 (US$ 107,670.74)
The lion’s share of the pay is claimed as dependent’s allowance. This allowance is given to wives and children of diplomats stationed. Moosa is not yet a father and as such, the only dependent is his wife. The wife is rumored to be a English citizen.
The annual spend of MVR 1,166,492 (US$ 76,000.22) rounds off to MVR 97,207 or equivalent to GBP 5,200. Websites that quote rental prices in the UK shows that the most expensive two-bedroom flat costs around GBP 2,500 – a figure far lesser than what is paid, even if one is to include food.
The reason for this excessive amount on two individuals is unknown.
Based on the information shared with Dhiyares by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the maximum amount an individual at the post of Counselor at the Embassy can claim as dependent’s allowance is MVR 24,336 or US$ 1,585.56. If the dependent is the spouse only, then this amount drops to MVR 16,224.16 (US$ 1,057.05).
The dependent’s allowance of MVR 97,207 (US$ 6,333.31) is a figure six times higher than what would be given under normal circumstances.
When contacted for a comment, Minister Shahid did not respond.
At the time of his appointment, public criticized the decision. Appointing the son to the father’s ministry, many claimed, was nothing but nepotism and a clear conflict of interest.
Over 80 percent of individuals appointed to Embassies, Consulates, and High Commissions during this administration had close ties to heads of the state or Members of Parliament.
The annual spend of MVR 1,166,492 (US$ 76,000.22) rounds off to MVR 97,207 or equivalent to GBP 5,200. Websites that quote rental prices in the UK shows that the most expensive two-bedroom flat costs around GBP 2,500 – a figure far lesser than what is paid, even if one is to include food.
The reason for this excessive amount on two individuals is unknown.
Based on the information shared with Dhiyares by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the maximum amount an individual at the post of Counselor at the Embassy can claim as dependent’s allowance is MVR 24,336 or US$ 1,585.56. If the dependent is the spouse only, then this amount drops to MVR 16,224.16 (US$ 1,057.05).
The dependent’s allowance of MVR 97,207 (US$ 6,333.31) is a figure six times higher than what would be given under normal circumstances.
When contacted for a comment, Minister Shahid did not respond.
At the time of his appointment, public criticized the decision. Appointing the son to the father’s ministry, many claimed, was nothing but nepotism and a clear conflict of interest.
Over 80 percent of individuals appointed to Embassies, Consulates, and High Commissions during this administration had close ties to heads of the state or Members of Parliament.