Zakat Beneficiary Card to Launch Next Month for Needy Maldivians

The Maldives will introduce a Zakat Beneficiary Card next month to streamline essential services for low-income citizens. Islamic Affairs Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed announced the initiative, which supports President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's plan to establish the Maldives Zakat House as an independent agency. The card, developed through collaboration between Zakat House and Bank of Maldives, will identify individuals registered in the national Zakat beneficiary database. This modernization effort aims to ensure recipients receive full benefits without visiting multiple government offices. Minister Shaheem explained the card will function like a bank Visa card, providing direct access to Zakat House assistance. During Ramadan, the card will facilitate food aid distribution and can cover health expenses not included in the national Aasandha insurance scheme. Additional support for housing and education will also be accessible through the card. The system represents a significant step toward efficient social welfare delivery in the Maldives, eliminating bureaucratic hurdles for those in need while ensuring transparent distribution of zakat funds.