President: Binveriya recipients will be given chance to apply for flats after relinquishing land

Stakes mark boundaries of different plots allotted to people under the Binnveriya scheme in Gulhifalhu, September 3, 2025. (Photo/Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure)

The administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced a significant adjustment to the housing policies regarding the Binveriya scheme. Recipients of land plots are now being granted the option to relinquish their land claims in favor of applying for government-developed flats. This decision addresses growing concerns regarding the timeline for developing basic infrastructure, such as road networks and utility services, on the land plots initially provided in areas like Gulhifalhu and Giraavaru Falhu. The administration recognizes that many beneficiaries view residential flats as a more immediate and manageable housing solution compared to the logistical requirements of developing land plots from the ground up.

Recipients of land under the Binveriya scheme can now apply for government-funded flats.
The choice is intended to offer move-in ready options for those burdened by land development logistics.
Portal updates to facilitate these requests will be completed within a two-week timeframe.
Government policy will include measures to balance fairness for those currently without any housing assets.
The administration continues to pursue a target of 27,000 housing units nationwide, with 15,000 units planned for the Greater Male area.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu says he has decided to facilitate the opportunity for recipients of land under ‘Binveriya’ scheme, who wish to apply for flats under his administration’s housing schemes after relinquishing their claim on the land they received under the previous administration’s scheme.

At a press briefing on Monday, President Muizzu said that many recipients of the ‘Binveriya’ scheme have been asking if they can relinquish their claim to the land they received under the scheme and apply for flats that his administration is developing.

He noted that the preference might stem from flats being more move-in ready than land plots, which will need to be built on.

He also noted that while thousands of people have been issued land from Gulhifalhu and Giraavaru Falhu, it will take time to establish utilities, build roads and develop other basic infrastructure.

He said that this is an issue of deep concern to a lot of people.

President Muizzu said that though recipients of ‘Binveriya’ scheme will be allowed to apply for flats, the government will be taking into consideration the fact that the living conditions of such individuals are generally better than applicants who have not received any housing.

He said that it will take some time to make necessary changes to the portal.

“It will be done within the next two weeks by the latest, and then the opportunity will be opened for people who received land under the Binveriya scheme to apply for a flat after relinquishing the land they received,” he said.

Back in 2024, President Muizzu said his administration plans to build over 27,000 housing units across the country, including 15,000 in the greater Male’ area.