Housing Ministry has begun draws for land recipients under the Binveriyaa Scheme.

According to the permanent list published in the Government Gazette by the Ministry, the total number of recipients is 18,955. They will be awarded 9,001 plots of land from Hulhumale, Gulhifalhu, and Giraavarufalhu.

The draws to determine where each recipient will receive their plot of land from began at 11:00am today at the National Stadium.

The date and time for draws are available via the Gedhoruveriyaa Portal. According to the Ministry, if the applicant is not present by the time stated, an official will conduct the draw on their behalf.

Planning Ministry Director Mohamed Arif stated that recipients who receive their land from Hulhumale will receive phone calls about setting the boundaries of their land starting today.

Speaking during a press conference held at the President's Office last night, State Minister Akram Kamaluddin stated that only 684 applicants will not be receiving a plot of land during the first round.

"When we opened up the opportunity for joint applicants, we were able to accommodate more people. This time, 18,955 beneficiaries will be given plots of land, while 684 eligible applicants are on a waitlist," Akram said.

Akram said a permanent registry would be given after the land plots are marked, and hence it was unlikely that it would change even if the government changed.

By the end of the term, 18,955 applicants who are eligible will be allotted plots and registries will be handed over. Akram, however, did not specify how much land could be allotted before the presidential election.

In addition to 1,351 plots in Hulhumale', the government has decided to allot 2,218 plots in Gulhifalhu and at least 5,432 plots from the land reclaimed in Giraavaru Falhu.