HDC Stops Issuing Garage Permits as Government Simplifies Vehicle Registration

The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has announced that it will cease issuing garage permits for motor vehicles with more than two wheels starting Thursday. This move comes as part of the government's efforts to simplify vehicle registration procedures. In a statement released on Wednesday, HDC clarified that vehicle owners will no longer need to submit garage permits. Instead, they must obtain permission to use the garage space allocated within their building. The Transport Ministry had earlier stated that garage permits would no longer be required from next month, which initially caused confusion among the public. The ministry later clarified that while garage spaces must still be registered, the administrative process has been streamlined. Previously, vehicle owners were required to submit multiple documents, including permission from Male' City Council or HDC to use the building as a garage, a vehicle garaging permit, and a no-objection letter from the garage owner. These documents will no longer be necessary starting Thursday. The change aims to eliminate duplicate applications for the same service. Parking shortages remain a significant issue in Male' and Hulhumale', where the number of vehicles far exceeds road capacity.