President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced his intention to expand housing eligibility, with a new category planned that would allow individuals to apply for land plots irrespective of their spouse’s existing housing status. In his Presidential Address at the opening session of Parliament, he confirmed that the administration has finalised the decision and will open applications for this group in the immediate future.
The directive extends the government’s ‘Boahiyaavehikan Emmenah’ policy, first unveiled on 16 November last year. That initiative opened applications for 15,000 land plots and 7,900 flats in Rasmalé, with classifications designed for native residents of Malé, residents from other islands currently living in the capital, and specialised categories tailored to specific sectors.
President Muizzu said the addition of two new categories reflects his administration’s commitment to securing housing wealth for the entire population. Alongside the provision for those with property-owning spouses, he outlined a solution for participants in the previous administration’s ‘Binveriyaa’ scheme. A special category will be created for individuals who previously received joint land plots; they will be permitted to seek new allocation if all parties involved in the joint ownership agree to collectively relinquish the original plot.
“We intend to open applications very soon for individuals to apply notwithstanding their spouse’s existing housing status,” President Muizzu stated. “Furthermore, regarding those who currently hold joint ownership, should they collectively agree to surrender that land, we will establish a specific category for their eligibility. We will allocate 1,000 land plots for each of these respective categories”.
Officials noted that the housing guidelines remain adaptable and responsive to civic needs. Certain classifications have already been amended following public petitions. Under special protocols, for example, individuals who previously occupied one-room or two-room living quarters are now eligible to participate in the active housing schemes.
The government formally opened the application window for these programmes on 18 January. Applicants for land plots must submit documentation by 4 March, while the deadline for flat applications has been set for 17 April. The current cycle also incorporates designated categories for specific economic sectors, including fisheries and reef-related industries.