Will be allowed to apply for land even if spouse has housing: President

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the government will reopen land applications under a new category that allows individuals to apply even if their spouse already owns land or housing.

Under the current regulations of the Aailee Boahiyaavehikan (Family Housing) Scheme, applicants are disqualified if their spouse owns housing anywhere in Maldives. Housing Minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib had previously said the rule was introduced to prioritize families without any housing registered under their name.

However, addressing growing public concern, President Muizzu said the policy will be revised so that land and housing applications can be submitted under a separate category, even if a husband or wife already owns property.

Explaining the government’s broader housing strategy, President Muizzu said the policy is structured around three categories:

He said the first phase of the Housing for All policy has already been launched under the Family Housing programme, with 15,000 land plots in Rasmale’ and 7,900 three-bedroom flats in Hulhumalé and Vilimalé opened for Malé residents.

The President confirmed that applications for additional housing schemes will be opened soon, reiterating that spouses will be eligible to apply under the revised criteria.

President Muizzu said land reclamation work in Rasmale’ is being carried out at high speed and is expected to be completed by April.

So far, three housing projects have been completed and handed over, while 13 projects are currently underway and contracts have been signed for 25 additional projects.

Construction of flats in 13 islands will begin in April, with 9,175 housing units currently under development. These projects are expected to be completed and handed over within 26 months, with further island housing projects scheduled to begin in August.

The President also said housing schemes will include allocations for fishermen and workers in the tourism sector.

Two foreign companies and three Maldivian companies have been awarded contracts under the affordable housing programme. The 3,260 social housing flats under this scheme will be completed within 30 months, he added.