Higher Education Minister Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed has said that most Maldivian students studying abroad receive their allowances on time, with occasional delays largely caused by universities failing to submit invoices to the ministry in time.
Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, the minister said around 75 percent of students studying overseas are paid regularly.
Concerns over delayed payments surfaced in December, when some students studying abroad said they were forced to suspend their studies due to delays in receiving funds. At the time, the ministry said it had not received formal complaints about students failing to receive payments.
Responding to questions about the issue, Haidar acknowledged that delays can occur in some cases.
“You are right, there are delays in some payments, particularly because three agencies are involved in the disbursement process,” he said.
He added that universities sometimes send invoices to the ministry only shortly before payment deadlines.
“Sometimes when we receive invoices from universities, it is just a week before the deadline. That makes it difficult to meet the deadline,” the minister said.
Minister Haidar said this was the main reason for delays in payments to students.
He added that some students had already received payments before the due date and reiterated that the majority are paid regularly.
The ministry is working to reduce such problems and ensure students receive their funds promptly, he said.
