Homeland Security Minister Urges Unified Effort to Make Maldives World's Safest Destination

Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Minister Ali Ihusaan has called for a unified national effort to transform the Maldives into the safest country in the world. Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural Safety and Security Conference, the Minister emphasized that as the archipelago grows in global popularity, the safety of its visitors must remain a top priority. The two-day event, hosted by the Maldives Association of Fire, Safety and Security Industry (MAFSSI), brought together local and international experts to discuss evolving security frameworks. Minister Ihusaan stressed that achieving this ambitious goal requires seamless coordination between government agencies, tourism operators, and private security firms. While traditional crime remains a focus, the Minister expanded the definition of safety to include a broader spectrum of modern threats. He specifically highlighted the urgency of mitigating fire incidents, maritime accidents, and natural disasters, alongside the rising risks of cyberattacks, online fraud, and drug-related issues. He noted that these risks can spread rapidly across the nation's dispersed islands, necessitating a more agile response system. “A safe destination addresses today’s issues. A resilient destination plans for the future,” Minister Ihusaan stated. He outlined five essential pillars for this transition: robust policies, comprehensive training, sustained investment, the adoption of cutting-edge technology, and strong inter-institutional collaboration. The Minister pledged the government's full support to tourism stakeholders, urging them to prioritize risk mitigation and advanced preparation to ensure every visitor feels genuinely secure. He noted that shifting from a reactive to a proactive security posture is critical for the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry. Over the course of the conference, participants are exploring strategies to safeguard the nation against both current and emerging threats. The forum serves as a critical bridge between state institutions and the private sector, aimed at building a resilient security infrastructure that protects both the residents and the millions of tourists who visit the Maldives annually.