President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has officially designated Addu Hulhudhoo and Addu Meedhoo as separate inhabited islands through an amendment to Presidential Decree No. 2/2025, which defines the list of inhabited islands in the Maldives.

The decision follows a public referendum held on 25 October 2025, during which residents of Addu Hulhudhoo, Addu Meedhoo, and Addu Feydhoo voted on their administrative status. The majority in both Addu Hulhudhoo and Addu Meedhoo supported the formation of individual island councils.

With the amendment, Addu Hulhudhoo and Addu Meedhoo are now recognised as distinct inhabited islands. At the same time, Addu City is redefined to include Addu Hithadhoo, Addu Maradhoo, Addu Maradhoofeydhoo, and Addu Feydhoo.

The changes outlined in the decree will come into effect with the election of the next local councils.