Tuesday 31 Mar 2026
Housing Minister Dr. Abdullah Muthalib (L) shakes hands with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu (R): Only 11 percent of 2025's record housing budget utilized by the government. (Photo/President's Office)
The government of the Maldives, under the leadership of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Housing Minister Dr. Abdulla Muthalib, has announced a major initiative to prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable and poorest families in the nation. Recognizing that historical housing programs have often excluded those most in need due to administrative complexity and information gaps, the administration is compiling a specialized priority register. This initiative is a core element of the broader 'Housing for All' policy, which aims to provide housing solutions for all citizens over the age of 18 within the current five-year term. By transitioning from a one-size-fits-all administrative approach to a more human-centric, compassionate framework, the government intends to ensure that families who have traditionally fallen through the cracks of the system are directly supported.
Housing Minister Dr. Abdulla Muthalib said on Monday evening that the government is compiling a special register to ensure the poorest and most vulnerable families are given priority in the allocation of social housing.
Speaking at the ceremony to inaugurate the construction of 1,190 housing units under the BML Affordable Housing Project in Hulhumale' Phase II, Muthalib said the initiative is part of the government’s Housing for All policy, under which BML is developing 3,260 housing units.
Muthalib said President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has personally visited many homes since his time as Housing Minister in 2012, and has repeatedly witnessed the difficult living conditions faced by families in need.
“When you visit such houses and see the condition of the families, you understand how sensitive housing is. For this government, housing is a matter of humanity, not politics. Protecting the rights of vulnerable people is a personal responsibility for us,” he said.
He noted that the government’s housing policy is not based on a single programme or principle, but on the understanding that different groups require different solutions. This includes bank‑financed options for first‑time buyers and rent‑to‑own flats for low‑income families through BML’s ongoing projects.
According to Muthalib, the most important and meaningful part of the housing policy is ensuring that the poorest families, who often fail to secure flats under public housing schemes, are not left behind.
“Based on past experience, the families most in need of housing are the ones who do not get flats. Sometimes they don’t know the rules, don’t receive proper information, don’t get the help they need, or lack the required documents,” he said, adding that such families often become invisible within the system.
He said the government’s responsibility is to identify these households, assess their living conditions, and provide the support they need.
“Recognising the importance of creating a priority social housing register, the administrative work has already begun. A compassionate government will work tirelessly to ensure the poor do not have to beg for help,” he said.
Muthalib has previously stated that the government’s priority is families without any housing. He also reiterated that all ongoing housing projects will be completed within the current five‑year term.
President Muizzu has pledged to ensure housing for every Maldivian above the age of 18 during this term.
