Maldives Customs Service has announced a new policy that will see the names of individuals and companies owing over MVR 10,000 disclosed publicly if they fail to make payments. The regulation, published in the Government Gazette under Article 5 of the Customs Act, outlines procedures to be followed before such disclosures are made.

According to Customs, written notices will first be issued through delivery, post, email, the online portal, or to the permanent address of the debtor. If payment is not settled within the stipulated timeframe, details such as the defaulter’s full name, registration number, address, outstanding amount and currency will be published in the Government Gazette, as well as on Customs’ website and official social media platforms.

The policy grants a 15-day period between each stage of notification before disclosure, ensuring due process is observed. However, exemptions apply to State institutions, Government majority-owned companies, entities executing state projects, and cases where debts remain unpaid due to the death of the debtor.