Govt defers housing applications for 2 categories to April 1

The government has postponed the opening date for applications under two housing categories to the first of next month.

According to the Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development, applications for flats under the ‘Persons with Disabilities Category’ and land plots under the ‘Binveriya’ scheme will open at 11:00 a.m. on the revised date.

Under changes to the ‘Binveriya’ scheme, a policy has been introduced for individuals who previously applied jointly for land. If all applicants in a joint application agree to relinquish their claim, each individual will be eligible to apply for a separate plot.

The revised policy also allows individuals who were previously ineligible for the scheme, including those allocated flats under state housing programmes, to apply for land.

Land plots under the scheme will be allocated from Rasmalé, with each plot measuring 1,250 square feet. Eligibility is limited to individuals who met the criteria for land allocation in the Greater Malé Region under the original scheme and were part of a joint application. All applicants must agree to surrender the originally allocated plot.

Individuals who have received land under the scheme and are willing to relinquish previously allocated flats are also eligible to apply under the new arrangements.

The ministry stated that the allocation process will be determined based on the number of eligible applicants and the availability of plots.

In a separate measure, a category has been established for persons with disabilities under the ‘Family Housing’ programme. This allows applicants in this group to apply through a separate process.

Applicants must provide documentation confirming registration in the national disability registry or submit a medical certificate issued by a licensed practitioner at a registered health facility, in line with the law on the protection of rights and financial assistance for persons with disabilities.

Eligibility is limited to individuals or families unable to secure housing in the Greater Malé Region. Applicants must also show that they have sought medical treatment in Malé within the past year or have been residing in the area for at least one year for treatment.