The Parliament of the Maldives has approved amendments to the Former Presidents Protection and Benefit Act, significantly reducing State-funded allocations.

The bill, submitted by Hulhudhoo MP Mohamed Shahid on behalf of the Government, was passed with 68 votes in favour during the 27 November sitting.

A central change in the amendment abolishes the MVR 175,000 monthly office allowance previously granted to former presidents. Financial estimates presented to Parliament show that removing this allowance will reduce next year’s expenditure on former presidents from MVR 19.7 million to MVR 10.2 million, cutting MVR 10.5 million from the budget.

The amendment also broadens the conditions under which benefits are suspended. Under the revised law, benefits must cease not only when a former president is re-elected for a second term, but also if they are appointed to any State office.

The amendment also introduces, for the first time, a formal allowance structure for former vice presidents. Under the new framework, the monthly allowance is set at MVR 30,000, with eligibility limited to those who have completed a full five-year term in office. At present, only former VP Faisal Naseem meets this requirement. According to budget estimates, MVR 360,000 has been allocated for the allowance in the coming year, in addition to MVR 700,000 for medical expenses.