The Maldives Customs Service has opened two new offices, including the North Regional Head Office, on two islands in Haa Alifu, the country’s most northern atoll.
On Thursday, Maldives Customs inaugurated its North Regional Head Office in Kulhudhuffushi City, while another Customs office opened in Ha. Uligamu.
The offices were inaugurated at a special event on both islands, which was attended by Minister of Defense Mariya Didi.
The event at Kulhudhuffushi was also attended by Commissioner General of Customs Abdulla Shareef, Chief of Defense Major General Abdulla Shamaal, and Kulhudhuffushi City Mayor Mohamed Athif.
Minister Mariya remarked during the event at Kulhudhuffushi that the North Regional Head Office was formed as part of the administration’s decentralization policy, and that it will reduce the time spent on cargo clearance in the surrounding area and cut the cost for businesses.
Mariya further noted that the number of narcotics identified and confiscated by Customs officials has lately grown substantially, and she expressed gratitude to them for their steadfast efforts in delivering this national service.
During the ceremony in Uligan, Commissioner General Abdulla Shareef noted that the newly constructed Uligan office would mostly be utilized to give services to yachts that dock on the island. He also announced future intentions to build a bonded warehouse on the island and provide warehouse services to resorts.
He also claimed that the new office will pave the way for the government’s plans to build a yacht marina in Uligan to be successful.
