Maldivian Parliament Extends Session to Pass Pensions, Organ Transplant and Local Gov Laws

The Maldivian Parliament has extended its first session of the year until May 31, allowing lawmakers critical additional time to clear a backlog of pending legislation. The extension was approved by a significant majority, with 58 members voting in favor and 11 opposed, ensuring that key bills could be thoroughly deliberated and passed. Among the most significant outcomes of the extended session was the passage of a substantial amendment to the Pensions Act. The new legislation introduces stricter eligibility criteria to ensure basic pensions are directed toward those in genuine need, prohibiting payments to individuals whose income exceeds a specific threshold. In a move toward greater compassion, the bill now allows for the early release of pension funds for patients diagnosed with terminal illnesses. Furthermore, the Pensions Act now permits retirement funds to be used as collateral for housing loans and allows beneficiaries to reserve Hajj pilgrimage spots using their savings. To ensure transparency, a nine-member Pension Office Board will oversee income assessments, while those holding elected constitutional posts or state-owned enterprise roles will no longer be eligible for basic pensions. In a landmark move for healthcare, Parliament also passed the Organ Transplant Bill. This legislation establishes a legal framework for human organ transplantation, restricting donations to voluntary, consenting adults over 18. The law explicitly prohibits prisoners from donating organs and strictly criminalizes the sale or purchase of human organs. Oversight will be managed by a new Organ Transplant Council and an Authorisation Committee to ensure ethical standards and safety. Finally, lawmakers approved amendments to the Decentralization of Administrative Areas Act. This reform integrates Local Government Authority (LGA) employees into the national civil service to professionalize the workforce. The amendment also formally expands the mandate of local councils to include waste management services. To ensure financial accountability, the law now allows the state to deduct outstanding debts for electricity and water from council allocations if unpaid for more than six months. These legislative actions represent a broad effort by the Majlis to refine social security, modernize healthcare, and strengthen local governance across the atolls.