In an effort to keep the population of Lh. Hinnavaru from decreasing, the Hinnavaru Council has imposed an MVR 2,000 fee if people are willing to give up their residency.

According to a social media post by the council, the fee was imposed on people who wish to leave Hinaavaru and relocate to another island, citing the “negative effects” such relocation has on the island’s population.

The current population of Hinnavaru is 2,000.

The council's announcement reads that the fee is being imposed because they noted the negative effects on Hinnavaru's population due to its residents relocating to other islands and in order to empower their efforts in increasing the island's population.

The post reads that the regulation will come into effect on 1st September.

"The council announces its decision to impose an administrative fee of MVR 2,000 for relocation to another island," the post reads.

Hinnavaru Council's post did not state whether there was a proposal that was submitted for a council meeting and passed regarding their decision.

According to the Maldives Resident Registration Act, if an individual meets the requirements in changing their registration to another island, and voiding their initial island registration once they are registered to the new island is to be legally observed by the island.