More than 450 lost Hulhumale' flats for failing to meet criteria: Muththalib

More than 450 people listed as recipients of newly built flats in Hulhumale' have had their allocations revoked after failing to meet eligibility requirements, the minister of construction, housing and infrastructure, Dr Abdulla Muththalib, has said.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, Muththalib said the decision followed a review of the final list of beneficiaries. Flats were withdrawn only from those who did not meet the basic criteria, he said, adding that recipients were given an opportunity to prove their eligibility before any action was taken.

“No one will be removed unless they fail to meet the basic requirements,” Muththalib said.

Under the Binveriyaa housing scheme introduced by the previous administration, applicants must have lived continuously in Male' for at least 15 years and must not own land or a flat in their own name.

When applications opened, around 13,000 people were deemed eligible, with an initial list of 4,000 recipients identified. Applicants scoring more than 76 points were allocated three-bedroom flats, while those scoring above 73 points qualified for two-bedroom units.

Following a review, the current government decided to proceed with the list prepared by the previous administration. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to award flats to those on the final list without changes, provided eligibility requirements are met.

The ministry has previously said agreements could not be signed with recipients who fail to meet the conditions, though it has not yet disclosed the final number affected. Muththalib said some applications were still under review.

Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC) has begun handing over the flats and aims to complete the process by the end of next month.