The government has pushed back the opening date for applications under the “Binveriya” special housing scheme, shifting it to early April instead of the previously scheduled date.
In a recent announcement, the Ministry of Housing confirmed that submissions through the official portal will now begin at 11:00 AM on April 1. Initially, the application window was expected to open a day earlier, but the change has delayed the process by several days.
So far, no official reason has been provided for the postponement, leaving many prospective applicants waiting for further clarification.
What Is the “Binveriya” Special Scheme?
The “Binveriya” special scheme is part of the government’s broader housing initiative aimed at addressing long-standing concerns around land ownership.
Under this policy, individuals who previously received land through joint applications during the earlier “Binveriya” program can now apply to obtain plots individually. However, this is only possible if all parties involved in the original joint ownership agree to give up their shared claim.
This adjustment is seen as a move to simplify ownership and reduce disputes that may arise from shared land allocations.
Expanded Eligibility for Applicants
The scheme also introduces a notable expansion in eligibility criteria.
Individuals who were unable to apply for land in earlier “Binveriya” programs due to having received flats under previous housing schemes are now given a new opportunity. They can apply for land plots under this updated program, offering a second chance to those previously excluded.
This change could significantly increase the number of eligible applicants, especially in urban areas where housing demand remains high.
Part of a Broader Housing Strategy
President Mohamed Muizzu first introduced the “Binveriya” special scheme during his Presidential Address on February 5. The initiative forms part of a wider effort to tackle housing challenges across the Maldives.
Alongside this, the government has also rolled out another targeted program called “Goathi-Gedhoru.” This scheme was designed to address a specific limitation in earlier housing projects, where individuals were disqualified from applying if their spouse had already received housing in the Malé area.
Applications for the “Goathi-Gedhoru” program officially opened on March 8, marking another step in the administration’s attempt to make housing access more inclusive.
Awaiting Further Updates
While the delay in opening applications for the “Binveriya” scheme may cause some inconvenience, interest in the program remains strong. Many are now looking ahead to April 1, hoping for a smooth application process.
For now, the lack of explanation behind the postponement raises a simple question: is this just a minor administrative delay, or a sign of further adjustments to come?
