Maldives Housing Ministry to Issue Flats Based on 2023 List After Document Revisions

The Government of Maldives has officially confirmed that the final list of flat recipients under the Gedhoruveriya housing scheme will be based on the November 2023 list previously announced by the former administration. This move was announced by the Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, Dr. Abdulla Muththalib, during a press conference held at the President’s Office.

Housing List Finalized, but Eligibility Still Under Scrutiny

Dr. Muththalib emphasized that while the government will use the list from November 2023 as the foundation, individuals who do not meet the updated eligibility criteria will be removed from consideration. “The list will be treated as final, but only those who fulfill the criteria will receive flats,” he stated.

The Gedhoruveriya scheme—one of the largest public housing efforts in recent history—is currently constructing 4,000 flats in Hulhumale’. The previous government had listed 3,721 recipients for three-bedroom flats and 1,218 recipients for two-bedroom flats. However, a comprehensive verification conducted in February 2024 found that only 1,423 individuals qualified for the three-bedroom units and just 397 met the criteria for the two-bedroom flats.

Key Issue: Proof of Long-Term Residency in Male’

A primary reason for disqualification has been the inability of applicants to verify a continuous 15-year residence in Male’ City. The former administration had accepted letters from island councils as proof of residency, but the current government has opted for a stricter approach, requiring more formal documentation.

To address this widespread challenge, the ministry has revised its evaluation framework. According to Minister Muththalib, individuals who can demonstrate they were living in Male’ before 2007—unless there is clear proof of relocation elsewhere—will now be presumed to have lived continuously in the capital.

“If documentation shows that a person began residing in Male’ 15 years ago and there’s no record of a move to another island, we will consider them eligible,” the minister clarified.

Steps to Ensure Fairness and Prevent Abuse

The ministry has reiterated that all documentation will be carefully scrutinized. Any submission of falsified documents or evidence showing failure to meet the requirements will result in immediate disqualification.

In addition, if both spouses in a household qualify, only one will be awarded a flat. Those who have previously received land or housing under other government schemes will also be excluded from this list.

To fill vacated slots, the government will conduct a random draw among applicants who have scored more than 75 points in the evaluation process.

Flat Handovers Set for September

Dr. Muththalib also announced that formal agreements will be signed with flat recipients in the coming months, and the housing units are expected to be handed over by September. Notably, any agreements made online by the previous administration will not be recognized by the current government.

“This marks a step forward in resolving housing challenges in the capital and delivering on our commitment to fairness and transparency in public housing,” Dr. Muththalib said.