President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Sunday night announced a strategic expansion of the Maldivian armed forces and police personnel over the next four years.

Under this initiative, 4,000 new recruits will join the military, and 1,000 additional personnel will be added to the police force. The President revealed that the 2025 budget allocates MVR 400 million to support this growth, with an additional MVR 400 million annually as part of the government’s New Policy Initiatives.

A central feature of this plan is the launch of the Maldives’ National Service Program, set to provide training and employment opportunities for youth aged 16 and above who have completed their O-levels but are unable to continue higher education or find work. President Dr Muizzu explained that the program will be legally structured, ensuring that all participants receive military training, with options to join either the army or police force upon completion.

The President highlighted the importance of this program for creating a well-prepared youth population capable of supporting the nation’s security. He emphasised that this initiative will play a critical role in empowering the Maldives to secure its independence and future stability.