President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said the Government is preparing to begin implementation of the Hope Island project, a rehabilitation initiative aimed at supporting young people exposed to criminal environments.

Speaking during the third episode of The Pulse podcast, the President said the project forms part of the Government's broader strategy to reduce crime by addressing the social and economic factors that place young people at risk.

He said the Administration is focusing on long-term solutions, including expanding access to housing, creating employment opportunities and supporting youth entrepreneurship alongside rehabilitation programmes.

The President noted that proposals submitted for the Hope Island project are currently under review and that work will commence once the evaluation process is completed. He added that the Government expects to complete the project within its current term.

The rehabilitation centre will be developed on 15 hectares of reclaimed land in Uthuru Thila Falhu and will accommodate 700 young people. Planned facilities include classrooms, religious education programmes, counselling and therapy services, vocational training centres, sports facilities and healthcare services.

The Government has previously stated that participants will remain at the centre until the age of 18 before completing a period of national service with either the Maldives Police Service or the Maldives National Defence Force.