The Ministry of Economic Affairs in Maldives, for the first time, has issued regulations on the standards and services that spa operators must adhere to, and existing businesses have been ordered to re-register within 90 days.
The increase in brothels operating under the pretence of "spas" and the immoral conduct at these alleged wellness outlets prompted the government to create these restrictions.
The rules prohibit the advertisement of information in any form on social media platforms. Immoral conduct is also prohibited on the premises of the spa.
In addition, the rules prohibit advertising contrary to the generally accepted standards of society, using or displaying words, gestures, and sounds that do not meet social standards and including or displaying any person in advertising the spa's business activity.
It is also prohibited for any employee of the spa to post any audio, video, or photographs related to the spa or the services provided there, even in their own capacity, on social media.
Measures to be implemented
- Any spa operating without registration will be fined MVR 10,000 and ordered to cease business immediately.
- After registering to operate a spa, if they violate any of the conditions or standards outlined in these rules while conducting business, the ministry has the authority to:
1. Issue a notice to implement corrective measures within a certain period;
2. Fine the establishment;
3. Cancellation of business registration;
4. Order the immediate closure of the business.
- A penalty of MVR 10,000 for any of the acts mentioned in the regulation.
- Employees and employers that violate the new standards, non-compliance with corrective orders and repeated violations of the standards will be fined an amount between MVR 6,000 and 8,000.
Standard of the building
- The name of the spa should be visible on the building, and "registered spa" should be added to indicate that it is a registered spa.
- Rooms reserved for spa services shall be closed with a door or partition to prevent third parties from entering during the service. Rooms shall not be fitted with locks, bolts, or other locking devices.
- A sign on the door to indicate whether the spa room is in use or not must be arranged.
- The reception area, corridors, and service rooms of the spa shall be adequately lit.
- CCTV cameras should be installed in the reception area and the corridors of the spa. The cameras should not be turned off at any time. The recordings from the cameras must be kept for at least six months. If such a recording is requested by an investigative agency, the management of the spa service provider shall make the recording available immediately.
- The beds placed in the rooms reserved for spa services must be used only for that purpose. If more than one bed is placed in a room, a distance of three feet should be maintained between the two beds, and each bed area should be separated by a partition.
Spas located on residential islands should be inspected by the council before registration, and they must continue to inspect the establishments every six months. If there is a violation, the opportunity would be given to correct the matter, and failure to do so would result in the revocation of the standards compliance permit issued to the business.
The regulation states that a spa business can be registered for a maximum of two years. To renew the permit, it must be submitted one month before the expiration date.
Spas can be open from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. every day. They are prohibited from providing services in residential areas on Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. However, tourism service providers are exempt.
