Higher Education Minister Mariam Mariya has said that the student loan slots allotted for piloting students has been reduced this year due to the lack of jobs and opportunities in the country for them.

Speaking at a press conference at Umar Zahir building on Tuesday, Minister Mariya said that more than 500 students were given loans to study for pilot licenses abroad and 200 students who got licenses remain unemployed.

"This means that we will have 500 students with pilot licenses in the future but where do we provide them opportunities for employment? Many doubts and concerns have been raised with the Ministry by students, parents, and other agencies concerned. Students also face placement and visa challenges," she said.

Minister Mariya said that with so many students studying in the same field, employment opportunities have been reduced in the Maldives. As such, the Government decided to allot 10 seats for piloting this year.

She added that out of the 148 students who applied for this field, the Ministry has decided to allow the eligible students to shift to other fields.

"It is important to note that the permanent results have not been announced for other sectors except for piloting. The provisional results will be available on the Ministry's website and students will be provided the opportunity to raise issues and file complaints once the permanent list is posted," Minister Maria said.

While a total of 1,709 students applied for loans this year, only 1,153 were qualified for loan and only 1,015 students met the requirements for the student loan applications.