The Maldivian government has announced a revised timeline for the launch of its flagship ‘Emmenah Boahiyaavahikan’ — ‘Housing for All’ — initiative, postponing the opening of applications for land and flats in the Malé area to Sunday morning.

Originally scheduled to commence this Thursday, the application window was deferred following a statement from the Ministry of Housing that cited potential logistical challenges due to the overlap with the weekend. The Ministry explained that, given the anticipated significant number of prospective applicants, the new schedule would better facilitate access to information and support.

Applications for both land plots and flats will now open at 9:00 am on Sunday, via the Ministry’s dedicated Hiyaavehi portal. The application period will remain open until 14 April, offering ample time for interested parties to submit their details.

Launched on 16 November by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, the ‘Emmenah Boahiyaavahikan’ policy seeks to transform the housing landscape in the capital, with plans to issue 7,900 flats and 15,000 land plots to address the needs of a diverse range of income groups. This latest housing drive represents a marked expansion from previous government efforts, with the Ministry of Housing now empowered to determine room allocations and revise eligibility criteria for applicants.

The preceding administration, under former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, had also embarked on a large-scale programme of land and flat allocations — initiatives that remain in progress.

President Muizzu has pledged to provide housing for every Maldivian citizen aged 18 or over, branding 2025 the ‘year of housing’ and earmarking a record sum in the state budget for the cause. However, by the close of the year, more than 90 per cent of those funds remained unspent, with tangible progress yet to be seen.

As the application window opens this Sunday, thousands of Malé residents and hopeful homeowners across the atolls will be watching closely — eager to secure their place in the country’s most ambitious housing programme to date.