Ministry of Defence has said that as of now, over 1,200 applications have been received to join the National Service Program.

In a statement issued today, the ministry said that the first round of applications saw 1,244 submissions.

Applicants will be chosen based on the order of form submission, with a second round to follow after the first group completes training, the Ministry said.

Trainings under the program will be held at various locations in the country, the ministry said. They asked applicants to go to a convenient station and complete the selection process.

In introducing the National Service Program, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu stated that it will develop disciplined, hard working youth in society. Those who complete the program will be employed at either Maldives Police Service or Maldives National Defence Force.

The President also announced that a law governing the National Service Program will be soon enacted.

The President said that the current plan is to offer an MVR 6000 monthly allowance for those who participate in this program.