Faafu atoll Billehdhoo Council has decided to charge a MVR5,000 fee to residents who apply to change their residency from the island, while offering MVR2,500 to people who register as residents of the island from elsewhere.

The council made the decision on September 1, approving the MVR5,000 fee for those who apply to leave Billehdhoo’s residency and a MVR2,500 allowance for people who apply to be included in the island’s citizenship register after moving from another island.

The council also decided to include the allowance in its budget during a general meeting.

According to the latest census, Billehdhoo has a population of 967.

Under the Citizenship Act, a person may change their registration to an island other than the one where they are currently registered if they meet the required criteria. Once the change is approved, their previous registration must be removed from the original island’s register in accordance with the law.

Last month, Lhaviyani Hinnavaru Council also decided to charge a MVR2,000 fee from residents who apply to change their residency, to prevent the island’s population from declining.