President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced the decision to defer resort lease payments for the second half of the year.
Addressing the nation in a televised message to update on the situation with respect to COVID-19, President Solih said the decision to defer lease fees was made to provide a relief to the resorts as the tourist facilities have been closed since late March. The president said the same will also apply to lands leased for agricultural purposes.
Highlighting the current restrictive measures were necessary, President Solih emphasised the need to work towards a new normal. The president announced plans to ease the current lockdown and open borders as early as July. He said the measure will be taken only if the existing precautions are deemed a success.
The government is currently working to formulate a guideline in order to loosen the restrictions gradually.