Maldives reserves housing scheme flats for people with disabilities
New category allows people with disabilities to apply for reserved flats in Greater Male housing program aimed at improving access to care
MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — The Maldives government has introduced a dedicated housing category for people with disabilities under its large family housing program, reserving apartments in the capital region in an effort to improve access to healthcare and essential services.
Authorities say 7,900 apartments will be allocated under the broader housing scheme in the Greater Male area — the country’s main urban center that includes the capital Male, Hulhumale and nearby islands — with 100 flats specifically reserved for applicants with disabilities.
The Housing Ministry said a separate application category has now been created for people with disabilities, along with detailed guidelines explaining eligibility requirements, application procedures and the scoring system used to assess applicants.
Officials say the measure aims to address difficulties faced by people with disabilities living on outer islands of the archipelago, where access to specialized medical care and rehabilitation services is often limited.
Under the new rules, individuals with disabilities will be able to apply for housing in the capital region even if they do not currently live in Male. Applicants may qualify if they cannot access necessary medical treatment in their home island or if financial constraints prevent them from relocating closer to healthcare facilities.
Residents already living in Male may also apply if they have received medical treatment for a disability within the past year.
The Maldives, a nation of around 1,200 islands spread across the Indian Ocean, faces unique challenges in delivering healthcare and public services due to its widely dispersed population. Many specialized services are concentrated in the capital region, requiring residents of remote islands to travel long distances for treatment.
Housing policies that allow vulnerable groups to relocate closer to hospitals and specialized care centers are therefore viewed by policymakers as an important part of the country’s social protection framework.
The application window for the disability housing category will open on March 24 and remain available until April 30.
All applications must be submitted through the government’s Housing Portal, the ministry said.
The broader family housing program is part of the government’s effort to expand residential capacity in the Greater Male area, where rapid urbanization and population growth have placed increasing pressure on housing availability.
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