The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has launched the Maldivians Travelling Abroad Survey 2026 at the arrival hall of Velana International Airport, supporting the Government’s continued efforts to strengthen the quality of national economic data and improve evidence-based policymaking.
The week-long survey is being conducted from 25 to 31 July 2026 and will gather information from Maldivian citizens returning home after travelling overseas. Data collected through the survey will contribute to the preparation of the Maldives’ balance of payments statistics, which provide an important assessment of the country’s economic transactions with the rest of the world.
MMA officials stationed at the airport arrival hall will collect information on key international travel patterns, including travellers’ primary destinations, the purpose of their journeys, sources of funding, airfare costs and total expenditure incurred during their trips. The survey will also gather information relating to medical expenses paid abroad, reflecting the significance of overseas healthcare expenditure within the broader national economy.
The information will help the authorities develop a clearer understanding of Maldivians’ international travel behaviour and the amount of foreign currency spent on transportation, accommodation, healthcare and other travel-related requirements. Accurate and comprehensive statistics in these areas are essential for evaluating foreign exchange demand, monitoring external financial flows and supporting the formulation of effective monetary and economic policies.
The central bank has confirmed that its enumerators will not request or record any personally identifiable information from participants. All responses will remain anonymous and will be used exclusively for statistical compilation, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of travellers who take part in the survey.
Conducting the survey at Velana International Airport allows MMA to engage directly with a broad cross-section of returning Maldivian travellers at the country’s principal international gateway. The exercise also demonstrates the authorities’ commitment to improving the reliability of national statistics through direct public participation and internationally recognised data-collection practices.
MMA has requested all Maldivian citizens returning from overseas during the survey period to cooperate with its staff at the airport. Public participation will support the collection of accurate information and contribute to the Government’s wider objective of strengthening economic planning, financial stability and informed national decision-making.
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