During a City Council meeting held on Wednesday, the male members of the council reached a decision to implement an entrance fee for expatriates visiting Lonuziyaaraiy Park and Sultan Park.
This resolution, set to be enforced starting from June 15, was proposed by Dr. Mohamed Muizz, the Mayor of Male, who highlighted that charging fees to migrant workers accessing parks is a common practice observed in various other countries. Emphasizing that this measure does not constitute discrimination but rather follows a standard procedure, the Vice President of the opposition PPM expressed support for the Mayor’s proposal.
Councilor Mariyam Nazima Mohamed of Galolhu West, while speaking at the meeting, put forward a suggestion to establish different fee structures for migrant workers and tourists. This proposal was unanimously accepted, resulting in the decision to levy fees in accordance with Councilor Nazima’s recommendation. Mayor Muizz announced that the fee structure would be determined at a later date, with administrative arrangements to be discussed and finalized during future council meetings.
It is worth noting that Sultan Park previously charged a fee to foreign visitors; however, following the relaxation of Covid-related restrictions, the council subsequently reopened the park without implementing any entrance fees.
