Applications open for permit to run street markets

Male’ City Council has opened applications for permit to organize fairs, night markets and street markets in Male’ City and its suburbs Hulhumale’ and Vilimale’. 

In an announcement on Tuesday, the city council asked for interested parties to fill and submit application forms. 

According to regulations, street markets can only be held on public holidays and on dates approved by the city council. 

Private companies and businesses, private citizens, clubs, organizations, and parties approved by the city council are eligible for permit to run street markets. 

Businesses that apply for permit must be 100% Maldivian owned and must be registered with Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA), while private citizens who apply for permit must have the experience and capability to run such an event. 

Parties that run street markets are required to put down an MVR 20,000 process fee and MVR 50,000 security deposit with the city council. 

Furthermore, 5 percent of proceeds from each stall at the street market must go to the city council. 

Regulations also dictate that the stalls or tables at street markets must be sold in accordance with fair and indiscriminate policies, at an appropriate rate, and after prior public announcement. 

Application forms are available from the city council, and can be submitted to city council’s administration section (located on the fourth floor of MWSC customer service building) between 10:00-13:00 hours on official working days.