Government to Launch New Island Housing Schemes to Curb Malé Migration

The Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development will launch new housing schemes across the islands outside the Greater Malé region next month. The initiative aims to curb the continuous migration to the capital by improving living conditions and providing sustainable housing options within local communities. State Minister Ahmed Nazim Mohamed announced that the government is developing two distinct housing models to cater to different citizen needs. The first model focuses on the construction of affordable housing units available for direct application. The second model provides home construction schemes linked with financial institutions, offering financing for individuals wishing to build on their own land plots. These projects are part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's pledge to expand housing access. By providing these options, the government seeks to support citizens who wish to remain in their home islands or relocate to designated urban centers, thereby reducing the demographic pressure on the Greater Malé area. A key objective of the program is to support workers in the tourism sector. By ensuring affordable housing is available in the regions where they are employed, the government hopes to make it easier for these professionals to establish families and build lives within their work communities. In addition to the upcoming launches, the ministry is working to revive previously stalled housing projects. Efforts are also underway to assist citizens facing financial hardships in completing homes on their own land under the government's 'Housing for All' policy. The government confirmed that applications for the current housing programs have already been received from 43 islands across the Maldives, signaling strong demand for decentralized residential development.