President Muizzu Pledges Housing and Career Reforms for MNDF Personnel

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has committed to enhancing the welfare and entitlements of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and their families, framing the support as a fundamental responsibility of the state. Speaking at the official ceremony marking the 134th Anniversary of the MNDF, the President highlighted the institution's critical role in safeguarding the nation's independence and sovereignty. Central to the President's vision is the improvement of soldiers' quality of life through strategic restructuring. By developing command centers across the country, the government aims to allow personnel to be permanently stationed closer to their families. To facilitate this shift, the President announced that the size of the military force will be increased, with necessary budget adjustments already integrated into current planning. Addressing long-standing administrative hurdles, President Muizzu acknowledged that several MNDF laws and regulations require urgent reform. He outlined plans to revise rules regarding rank limitations and career progression to ensure fairer growth for personnel. Additionally, the administration will amend retirement rules to better support long-serving members of the force. Housing remains a primary focus of the government's commitment to the military. The President emphasized that housing is a basic right and pledged expanded opportunities for personnel under the current national housing policy. A key highlight of this initiative is the construction of a modern housing project at the Bandeyri Koshi Barracks, which is expected to begin within the next eight months. To ensure the force remains capable and modern, the government will invest in infrastructure and education. Plans include the further development of Girifushi, the MNDF training island, and the expansion of training facilities in the northern and southern regions. The President also pledged to increase opportunities for foreign training to elevate the professional standards of the force. These comprehensive upgrades to housing, legislative frameworks, and training capacity are intended to be implemented sustainably, ensuring the MNDF remains a resilient and respected pillar of Maldivian society.