The Ministry of Housing, Land, and Urban Development has postponed the opening of applications for housing units specifically designated for persons with disabilities.

The Ministry had previously gazetted an amendment to the "Regulation for the Allocation of Flats to Residents of Malé" on the 11th of this month. At that time, it was announced that the application window for this category would open at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, the 24th of this month, and close at 11:59 PM on Thursday, April 30th.

The Ministry had stated that applications must be submitted through the "Hiyaavahi" portal at https://boahiyaavahikan.housing.gov.mv.

However, in an announcement made today, the Ministry stated that the application period for this category will now commence at 11:00 AM on the 1st of next month. The Ministry confirmed that the portal will remain open for submissions until 11:59 PM on the 30th of next month.

The Housing Ministry had previously detailed changes to the eligibility criteria for the disability category on the 11th of this month. Applications are now restricted to individuals with disabilities as defined under the Law on the Protection of Rights and Provision of Financial Assistance to Persons with Disabilities.

Furthermore, the Ministry has amended the regulations to exempt these applicants from certain prior residency requirements. Previously, applicants were required to have been a registered resident of Malé for at least one year or, in the case of residents from other islands living in Malé, to have maintained continuous residency for 15 years. These specific time-based conditions will no longer apply to this group.

Instead, the Ministry stated that eligibility now extends to persons with disabilities whose personal or family financial circumstances prevent them from securing housing in the Greater Malé area, and who have sought medical treatment in the region for at least one year because such specialized care is unavailable in their home island or atoll. Alternatively, individuals who have resided continuously in the Malé area for a minimum of five years are also eligible to apply.