A bill intended to create a legal framework for the Rasmale’ development agreement is expected to be introduced in the People’s Majlis.
The legislation is understood to address the 99-year lease of reclaimed land at Fushidhiggaru lagoon to UAE developer Eagle Hills. Current laws are reported to restrict the kind of long-term foreign control contemplated in the commercial terms signed on 21 September.
President Mohamed Muizzu has previously said the land would remain under Maldivian ownership. Critics argue that the proposed arrangement contradicts that position and that any transfer of effective control over reclaimed land should be subject to a public referendum.
Opposition parties, including the Maldivian Democratic Party, have called for the commercial terms to be published in full and for work on the definitive agreement to be paused until a public vote is held. A petition seeking a parliamentary inquiry has also been submitted.
The government maintains that the project will generate substantial economic benefits and housing opportunities. The timing of the bill’s introduction has not been officially confirmed, but media reports indicated it could be tabled this week.
The Rasmale’ project has become one of the most contested policy issues of the current administration, drawing both domestic political opposition and public demonstrations.