MP submits report on delayed overseas student payments
The report was sent under the MP’s letterhead to Higher Education Minister Dr Ali Haider. It consists of two documents totalling 19 pages.
Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has submitted a report to the Ministry of Higher Education alleging negligence in the delayed disbursement of government loans and scholarships to Maldivian students studying overseas.
The report was sent under the MP’s letterhead to Higher Education Minister Dr Ali Haider. It consists of two documents totalling 19 pages.
According to the first document, which outlines records of delayed financial transactions submitted to the ministry, many students have not received their stipends for periods ranging from two to four months. It also states that reimbursements for air tickets and other approved expenses have not been deposited for several months after applications were submitted.
The document notes complaints from students that the ministry does not respond to emails and provides unclear responses through messaging platforms. It adds that students are facing difficulties in paying rent and meeting basic expenses due to delays in payments.
The second document details concerns raised by students and parents in various countries. It states that current stipend rates were set several years ago and no longer meet living costs due to inflation. It also claims that in some countries, including Australia, student accounts have been suspended due to non-payment of course fees, preventing access to academic results and classes, with some scholarships reportedly cancelled.
Other issues cited include the loss of documents submitted by students, repeated requests to resubmit the same documents, and the inability to meet relevant ministry staff. The report further states that these issues have affected students’ mental wellbeing and reduced confidence in government processes. It also notes frequent complaints about unanswered calls and messages.
In his covering letter, Mohamed Ibrahim urged the ministry to address the issues without delay and provide a response to the matters raised.
The Ministry of Higher Education told Mihaaru newspaper that it has not received any formal complaints from students regarding the issues mentioned.
