Chamber of Commerce asks for ban on permanent foreign reporters

Maldives National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) has requested the government to issue a ban on foreign reporters working on a permanent-basis in Maldives.

MNCCI issued a press conference on Sunday, in which it said that Maldivian reporters worked hard day and night in the media industry, and asked that the government ban foreign reporters working in the country on a permanent-basis so that the benefits and opportunities fall solely on local reporters.

MNCCI said that foreign reporters were biased, and that their reports were having a negative impact on the country’s economy – especially the tourism industry.

Maldives Immigration announced recently that it would be carrying out security screening of foreign reporters and photojournalists who come to the country for work.