The President’s Office has introduced new guidelines for submitting legal documents to the Government Gazette, effective from Sunday, 24 November 2024.

Under the updated procedures, all Government Ministries and institutions are required to follow revised protocols when submitting documents for publication in the Government of Maldives Gazette.

Legal documents must now be sent to the President’s Office via the designated email, [email protected]. This change aims to simplify the submission process and ensure that all documents meet legal requirements before publication.

If amendments are needed to already submitted documents, the revised versions must be sent in accordance with President’s Office Directive No. 4/2015, along with a covering letter signed by the relevant Minister or official. For state agencies not under ministry jurisdiction, the documents must also include the signature of the responsible official.

The new guidelines also require Ministries and institutions to consult the Attorney General’s Office for legal advice before preparing documents for publication. A record of this consultation, including the Attorney General's recommendations, must be included in the submission.

Additionally, each institution must designate a focal point to oversee the compliance with the new procedures. The contact details of this official must be provided to the President’s Office.

The directive also emphasises that all documents must be reviewed for legal and linguistic accuracy before submission. Any necessary corrections should be made before publication.

Although the submission process has changed, the existing guidelines under President’s Office Directives No. 11/2010 and No. 25/2010 remain in effect. These directives continue to require that all legal documents be submitted with the Attorney General’s approval and advice.