MMA: USD 466,700 sold on Nov 22 alone

Central bank, Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) reports it has sold USD 466,700 to Maldivian passengers travelling abroad on Tuesday alone.

MMA is selling USD directly from its headquarters to Maldivians travelling abroad at the rate of USD 500 per ticket from November 20 to January 7; after which USD to passengers will be sold directly from the airport.

MMA reports that it sold USD to 344 people for 938 tickets last Tuesday alone.

Since it started selling USD directly to travelers, MMA has sold USD 802,125 on the first day – November 20, and USD 527,650 on the second day – November 21.

The money was sold to 535 people for 1,629 tickets on November 20; and to 381 people for 1,057 tickets on November 21.

MMA reports that passport and ticket verification will be conducted from 9 am to 6pm, and USD will be released to travelers with verified documents from 4 pm to 8 pm.

It said that people over the age of 65 years and people with disabilities will be given priority.

Travelers will be sold maximum USD 500 per ticket 7 days prior to date of departure.

Travelers have the option of paying for it via their debit card instead of using cash.