MP proposes to amend rules to hike child support
Mohamed highlighted the inadequacy of the existing child support framework, urging for a revision to better align with the rising costs of living.
Galholhu North Member of Parliament (MP) Mohamed Ibrahim on Monday called on the relevant authorities to review and increase the amount of child support payments required from fathers under the current Family Regulations.
In a formal letter addressed to the speaker of parliament, Mohamed highlighted the inadequacy of the existing child support framework, urging for a revision to better align with the rising costs of living.
Under the existing Family Regulations, a father is required to pay MVR 2,000 each month to cover basic child-related expenses. For families with more than one child, the cost increases by an additional MVR 1,000 per child. However, this amount is intended to cover only the most essential expenses, which include:
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Education-related expenses: This encompasses two school uniforms, one pair of shoes, a list of books, and study materials.
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Clothing expenses: A basic allowance for three outfits per year.
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Medical costs: Coverage for healthcare services as needed.
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Other miscellaneous expenses: This category includes any additional costs depending on the child's needs and the financial means of the guardian.
Importantly, the current system also requires that fathers take legal action if they wish to recover additional expenses beyond the basic child support payments.
MP Mohamed Ibrahim has voiced strong concerns about the sufficiency of the current child support payments, arguing that the amounts set out in the regulations are no longer realistic given the steep rise in commodity prices. With inflation driving up the costs of everyday goods, Mohamed points out that the current MVR 2,000 (plus MVR 1,000 for each additional child) is insufficient to cover even the most basic child-related expenses.
“The amount specified for child support is far too low, especially in the context of today's economic climate. Even basic items such as diapers, food, and other essential goods for a child are becoming increasingly difficult to afford within the existing budget,” said Mohamed.
He emphasised that while the regulations may have been appropriate at the time they were introduced, they no longer reflect the reality of rising prices in the market. The economic pressure on families, particularly single-parent households, has intensified, and the financial burden of raising children has grown significantly.
In his letter to the speaker of parliament, Mohamed urged that the matter be addressed by the rules committee. He recommended that the Ministry of Social and Family Development be called to a meeting with the committee to discuss amending the current rules. He further emphasised the importance of ensuring that child support payments are more in line with the true costs of raising children in today's economy.
By revising the regulations, MP Mohamed believes that the system can better support families, particularly single parents who are shouldering the majority of child-rearing responsibilities. He has also called for a more comprehensive approach that includes provisions for recovering additional expenses related to child upbringing without the need for lengthy and burdensome legal processes.
