The government plans to open four more embassies, in Egypt, South Africa, Australia and Italy, even as the public questions the cost of running missions overseas.
The plan was confirmed through a Right to Information request, according to the report. It would bring the number of Maldivian diplomatic missions to 25.
The country currently has 10 embassies, 7 high commissions, 2 consulates and a permanent mission to the United Nations in New York. Running them costs MVR 54 million a month, or MVR 648 million a year.
At least 82 political appointees are posted at the missions, drawing salaries of MVR 1.85 million a month between them, or MVR 22.2 million a year.
