Maldives Bar Council has declared all registered lawyers will have permit to practice law at lower courts and tribunals with the implementation of Legal Profession Act.
A circular issued by the Executive Committee of Maldives Bar Council stated judges and magistrates does not have to get a permit to practice law after they lose or leave the position. Lawyers who have permits to practice law at superior courts, including High Court and Supreme Court does not have to reapply for a permit, although lawyers without a permit must do so, according to the new circular.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih ratified the Bill on Legal Profession on June 25. Upon ratification of the bill and the establishment of Maldives Bar Council and its mandates, and all regulatory power related to legal professionals, including issuing licenses and penalization falls within the mandate of the Bar Council.