Do you think the newly introduced investor visa by the Maldives government will help make the Maldives' economy more balanced, or could it create new risks by depending too much on wealthy investors and real estate?

The Investor Visa Program will undoubtedly diversify the Maldives' economy, develop a strong infrastructure, and bring long-term beneficial capital. However, we should be cautious in planning industrial diversification and adopt a sound strategy. While focusing on investments across a wider range of sectors, we must also safeguard the existing tourism product, which we have nurtured and developed into a globally recognised role model that inspires everyone. Proper planning coupled with a strong structural framework is vital for effective implementation of the investment guidelines and investor benefits.

EU & ME countries offer Residency & even their Passport for those who invest certain amounts or provide outstanding services and given Maldives ambition to double and diversify the economy, we can offer similar programs. Real Estate is booming in the UAE which offers foreigners to own land and apartments with Golden Visa from USD 200 '000 and I see no reason why Maldives should not also offer them.

Without proper safeguards, reliance on investor visas may benefit external stakeholders more than local communities, potentially exacerbating inequality and sidelining broader, sustainable development. Similar programs elsewhere, like in the UK and Canada have either been shut down or paused due to financial crime risks and limited tangible economic returns . There are valid fears around money laundering, fraud, and systemic corruption. The investor visa program has strong potential to help balance and diversify the economy, only if implemented with transparent, robust due diligence and equitable frameworks. However, without strong oversight and inclusive policy design, it also risks steering the country toward overdependence on wealthy investors and real estate, while exposing it to governance vulnerabilities.