The Parliament has opened the National Service Bill for public comment as part of its ongoing review.

The bill, submitted on behalf of the government by South Kulhudhuffushi MP Farhath Mohamed, was accepted with the support of 50 MPs and referred to the committee for further scrutiny . Parliament said written submissions must be made by 14:00 on May 21, inviting input from stakeholders and members of the public.

The proposed legislation seeks to establish a structured national service programme aimed at developing the physical, technical and intellectual capabilities of Maldivian youth, while setting out a legal framework for participation, training and governance.

Under the bill, Maldivians aged between 16 and 28 will be eligible to participate, with those under 18 required to obtain parental consent and all applicants subject to a medical assessment. Participants will receive training in areas including leadership, discipline, physical fitness and emergency response, with the Ministry of Defence covering accommodation, food, healthcare and transport during the programme.

Upon completion, participants will be required to serve in a uniformed service for a period not exceeding one year, with opportunities for employment thereafter. The programme will be overseen by a governing council chaired by the President and comprising senior government and security officials.