Birth registration delays will now be subject to fines

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih ratified the Birth and Death Registration Bill today that states that if children born in the Maldives are not registered within seven days of birth, the parents will be subject to a fine of MVR 10,000.

The bill was approved by the President and published in the Government Gazette, the law coming into effect on Sunday, December 18.

The law states the rules and regulations governing the legal declaration of deaths, registration of births and issuance of national identification cards. It also lays forth the consequences of breaking the law.

The Birth and Death Registration Act states that parents or guardians must submit the birth certificate of every child born in Maldives to the respective Island or City Council within seven days of birth.

According to the Law, registration of births and deaths of Maldivian citizens abroad will require the submission of birth or death certificates issued by a government agency of the respective country.

Children born to Maldivians living abroad must submit an official certificate of birth within seven days from the date of return to Maldives. Birth certificates must be submitted to the respective Island or City Council within six months from the date of birth.

Details of the law

- The Island or City Council to maintain a register of births and deaths

- After the declaration of death by a health care provider, the heirs of the deceased to notify the Council immediately.

- If invalid alterations are brought to divorce forms, birth certificates, death forms and identity cards, the common man will be subject to a fine between MVR 10,000 and MVR 15,000.

- If such an act is committed by an employee of a government body, a fine between MVR 15,000 and MVR 25,000 will be imposed.