The second session of the Parliament for this year has been extended until the 20th August, for important work, postponing members' recess.

The second session of parliament for 2026 was set to end this coming Saturday 15th August. Since parliamentary sittings are held from Monday to Wednesday, no further sittings could be held before recess unless recess was postponed.

However, work on some bills that the government wishes to pass urgently, as well as matters such as seeking parliamentary approval, are close to completion. Therefore, Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla proposed to extend the session until the 20th of this month.

"As there is important work for the parliament to decide in this session, I intend to call for a vote to decide on extending until August 20, 2026," Abdul Raheem said after opening today's sitting.

The proposal to extend the session was passed unanimously by the 58 members present in voting.

While parliamentary recess was postponed today, important work currently pending includes amendments submitted to the law enacted last year mandating businesses receiving foreign currency revenue to exchange foreign currency. Submitted on behalf of the government by Holhudhoo constituency MP Abdu'Satthar Mohamed, the purpose of the bill is to change the rule and grant relief to businesses.

Other work currently pending in parliament includes a matter sent to seek parliamentary approval regarding the Maldives joining the alliance formed by Saudi Arabia to defend Gulf straits.

The Parliament holds three sessions a year. These include the first session from February 1 to April 30, the second session from May 16 to August 15, and the third session running from August 27 through the end of November.