MNU launches Japanese language program for immigration officers

The Maldives National University (MNU) has launched a Japanese language program for staff of Maldives Immigration, aimed at strengthening the skills of officers who greet arriving visitors.

The program was inaugurated on 29 June 2026 at MNU. It is run by the university's Faculty of Arts. The inauguration was attended by the Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, Ishigami Rumiko, who served as chief guest.

According to MNU, the course is tailored to immigration professionals. It focuses on practical Japanese language skills and cultural competence. The aim is to help participants engage confidently and effectively with Japanese visitors.

MNU described the initiative as part of its commitment to workforce development and international cooperation. The university said the program reflects its wider effort to create learning opportunities that connect communities and equip professionals with skills for an increasingly interconnected world.

Immigration officers are among the first points of contact for tourists arriving in the country. Language and cultural training at that stage can shape a visitor's first impression of the destination.

The training comes as the Japanese market shows momentum. Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation data for the first five months of 2026 recorded a 9.1 percent rise in arrivals from Japan, one of the few source markets to grow during a period when overall arrivals declined. Japan ranked as the 11th-largest market for the Maldives over that period.

MNU said it remains committed to fostering initiatives that support lifelong learning and international cooperation.