Amendments have been brought to the Customs Cash Declaration such that travelers are required to disclose the sources of currency when transporting internationally amounts exceeding specified thresholds. The amendment was announced at a joint press conference with agencies from the homeland ministry.
Addressing the media, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan revealed that this amendment was introduced to address issues related to criminal proceeds being sent overseas. Noting that this was the biggest modification brought to the Customs Cash Declaration, the minister disclosed that this regulation will be implemented for those who transport sums exceeding USD 10,000 abroad. He further stated that this measure was taken under the regulations imposed by international administrations.
Furthermore, Minister Ihusaan revealed that upon assuming office, he observed a significant number of immigrants entering the Maldives as labourers, only to depart within a brief period with substantial sums of money. The minister stated that the implementation of this modified regulation applies to locals and immigrants as well. This initiative of the administration has remarkably reduced the illegal withdrawal and transportation of large sums of money internationally.