Maldives Customs Service has stated that its largest development initiative is being conducted by the current administration. Commissioner General of Customs Abdulla Shareef made the remarks while speaking at the function to commemorate the 132nd anniversary of the Maldives Customs Service.
Speaking at the ceremony, Commissioner Shareef shed light on the development Customs has undergone in the last two years, noting that the major development and expansion work were initiated by the current administration. He said that Customs has also received assistance and resources from the Government of Japan and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in the development of its enforcement policy. He added that employees of Customs also receiving training opportunities from the Government of India.
Furthermore, Commissioner Shareef said that Customs has worked to expand its services across the country in the last two years and that offices have been established in the northern and southern region, including the Customs regional head office in Kulhudhuffushi, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, and the office in Uligamu, Haa Alifu Atoll. He said that the Customs south regional head office is currently being built in Addu City and is expected to be open next year.
Additionally, Commissioner Shareef said that Customs has also established an integrity and professional standards section to enforce the government’s zero-tolerance to corruption policy. He said the purpose of the section is to increase integrity and maintain public trust in Customs and its employees. He said that it will also determine the actions that decrease public trust and integrity and take the necessary steps. He added that the Maldives Customs Service will also be the chair of the next term of the World Customs Organisation’s integrity sub-committee.
Commissioner Shareef further noted that Customs was able to overcome the challenges it faced during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the support of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. As such, he expressed gratitude to the president for giving his full support to the employees of Customs.