President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said on Thursday evening that 104 massage parlors have been closed over the past month, and that more than 200 additional establishments still need to be shut down.
Speaking after inaugurating the ruling PNC’s newly expanded headquarters, the President said the government is taking action, in consultation with the public, to eliminate what he described as “bad habits” that have become entrenched in the country.
He said previous administrations had attempted to close massage parlors but were unable to achieve meaningful results.
According to the President, 104 establishments have been closed since December 9, when a special operation was launched to target such businesses in Male'. He said more than 200 similar places remain in operation and will be addressed.
PNC opens its newly expanded headquarters, a four‑storey office building inaugurated by President Mohamed Muizzu on January 8, 2026. (Photo/PNC Secretariat)
The President urged operators to voluntarily shut down their businesses.
“In the next few days, it is best for the operators to close these places themselves, stop all irregular activities, and expel the foreigners brought on tourist visas,” he said.
Massage parlors have operated in the Maldives for many years, and authorities periodically conduct operations that lead to closures and arrests. Foreign nationals are often involved in these businesses, and Immigration has been taking action against both foreigners and Maldivians involved in illegal operations.