Government Eases Gedhoruveriyaa Housing Rules for Long-Term Male' City Residents

The Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development has revised the eligibility criteria for the Gedhoruveriyaa housing programme, removing a significant technical barrier for long-term residents of Male' City. Under the new guidelines, the requirement for applicants to have officially changed their residency to the capital for at least one year has been eliminated. In its place, the government now allows any citizen who can provide documented proof of living in Male' City continuously for 15 years to apply, provided they meet the other requirements of their specific category. To qualify under this amendment, applicants must submit verifiable documentation, such as utility bills or official letters, alongside their official residence registration date. This shift aims to include citizens who are deeply integrated into the capital's community but were previously excluded due to administrative technicalities. The Gedhoruveriyaa programme provides housing solutions for several distinct groups. This includes families seeking separate land plots after participating in the previous administration's Binveriyaa scheme, as well as individuals who received government social housing flats but did not apply for land plots. Furthermore, the government has introduced a new classification, Category 3, to streamline the application process. This category is divided into two streams: one for single applicants wishing to switch their flat application to a land plot, and another for joint applicants from the previous scheme who now wish to apply for land and flats separately. By introducing these changes, the Ministry intends to provide greater flexibility and choice for potential homeowners, ensuring that housing opportunities are more accessible to those who have spent decades contributing to the life of the capital city.