The Maldives government has announced an investigation into the recent incident involving the removal of tourists from Dhigurah Island, located in the Alifu Dhaalu Atoll.

The tourists were reportedly asked to leave after allegedly failing to pay a fee imposed by the island council. These fees apply to visitors who stay in areas other than the harbour or use the island's 'thundi' beach, which is the largest in the Maldives and draws many tourists daily. Visitors to the beach include those staying at nearby resorts and guesthouses from surrounding islands.

Since the introduction of this fee, tourists who have not paid have been asked to leave. A video circulating on social media shows the president of the island council, Ibrahim Usman, telling tourists who haven't paid to leave the island.

This incident has sparked concern within the tourism sector, with many expressing fears that such actions could harm the country’s reputation as a welcoming destination for visitors.

In response, Adam Shareef, the Minister for Local Government, expressed regret over the situation in a post on X, announcing that an investigation would take place to determine the full details of the incident. He emphasized the importance of respecting local societal standards while ensuring that tourists are welcomed properly. Minister Shareef also assured that he would collaborate with various stakeholders to uphold societal norms and promote the growth of the tourism industry.