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The Local Government Authority will soon release official guidelines to address growing concerns over island councils levying steep administrative fees on residents who attempt to transfer their registry away from their native islands.
News Desk
LGA CEO Nimal in a board meeting of the authority, which held previously - Photo: LGA
MALÉ: The Local Government Authority (LGA) has announced plans to issue clear guidelines following public concern over local councils imposing exorbitant administrative fees on residents seeking to transfer their official island registry.
Speaking to local media, LGA Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Nimal stated that certain island councils have set departure administrative fees as high as 5,000 MVR. Nimal emphasized that such hefty charges impose an unreasonable financial burden on ordinary citizens and noted that fees must remain within limits affordable to the public.
While councils currently retain authority to establish administrative fees for registry changes, Nimal clarified that the LGA will step in shortly to standardize these practices and protect citizens from excessive financial hurdles.
Under Maldivian law, all citizens possess the constitutional freedom to relocate and change their official residency between islands, with the capital city Malé receiving the highest volume of transfers.
Key Departure Fee Examples: F. Bileddhoo (5,000 MVR), GDh. Thinadhoo (5,000 MVR), Lh. Hinnavaru (2,000 MVR), and Th. Kinbidhoo (1,200 MVR).
Incentive Model: Bileddhoo Council offers 2,500 MVR to individuals transferring their registry onto the island.
