More than 5,000 applications have been submitted for flats and land plots under the Government’s “Housing for All” policy, according to the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure.

The Ministry said a total of 5,067 applications have been received so far, with 3,434 applicants applying for flats and 1,633 for land plots. In addition, 11,304 applicants have initiated applications that remain in draft status on the Hiyaavehi portal.

Applications under the scheme were opened on 18 January and are being accepted online via the Hiyaavehi portal. Applications for land plots will remain open until 4 March, while applications for flats will close on 18 April.

Under the policy, the Government plans to allocate 15,000 land plots in the Greater Malé area and 7,900 flats in the Malé area. Of the land plots, 7,000 are allocated for native residents of Malé, 1,000 for individuals registered on Malé Dhaftharu, and 2,000 for those registered at a later stage. A further 500 plots are reserved for individuals without inherited property, while 3,000 plots are designated for residents from other islands who have lived in Malé City for at least 15 years. An additional 1,500 plots have been set aside for applicants willing to relinquish homes located on narrow streets that hinder access to housing loans.

Of the 7,900 flats, 4,000 have been earmarked for residents of Malé City, 1,500 for long-term residents from other islands living in the city, and 2,400 for applicants under special priority categories, which are further divided into 15 sub-categories.

The Ministry said eligibility criteria were revised following community consultations, including changes allowing recipients of one-bedroom and two-bedroom flats under previous housing schemes to apply for three-bedroom units, subject to conditions based on family size and the number of children. New special categories have also been introduced for taxi drivers, workers in the fishing sector and employees in the tourism industry, as well as applicants who previously received documentation entitling them to flats but did not ultimately receive housing.

Applicants may apply for either a flat or a land plot, but not both, and must apply under the category most relevant to their circumstances. All applications must be submitted online using eFaas login credentials. The Ministry said priority will be determined based on income levels and living conditions, with applicants required to submit information on family composition, housing status, employment and income, along with supporting documents.