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Parliament has held the first reading of a 75-clause bill sponsored by Thinadhoo North MP Saudulla Hilmy regarding uninhabited islands and lagoons. The proposed law grants the President authority to allocate islands and assign managing bodies, while allowing Ministries and Councils to extend leases up to 50 years.
News Desk
President Muizzu in an official event - Photo: President Office
The Parliament held the first reading today of a new 75-clause bill governing uninhabited islands and lagoons, which grants the President primary authority to allocate state-owned lands and decide which authorities will manage them.
The legislation, divided into eight comprehensive chapters, was sponsored by Thinadhoo North MP Saudulla Hilmy. It aims to modernize island administration, set clear lease guidelines, and define local council involvement.
Under the proposed legislation, the President holds central authority over several key areas:
Land Allocation: The President decides the official purpose of uninhabited islands and lagoons, including allocations for national defense, commercial projects, agriculture, fisheries, and local councils.
Selecting Oversight Authorities: The President determines whether a specific island or lagoon will be managed directly by a relevant Ministry or handed over to a Local Council for bidding and lease administration.
National Register: All designated islands and lagoons will be cataloged in an official national register managed under executive oversight.
Reclaiming Land: The President maintains the authority to reassign or reclaim islands and lagoons for state or national needs.
While the President holds the power to allocate islands and choose the governing agency, the designated Ministries or Councils will handle the administration based on specific rules:
Standard Lease Duration: The default lease term for uninhabited islands and lagoons is set at 21 years.
Extension Up to 50 Years: Responsible Ministries and Local Councils can extend lease terms up to 50 years based on investment size, project scope, and economic value.
Short-Term Usufruct (Varuvaa): Islands not earmarked for major development can be leased for traditional use (Varuvaa) for up to 5 years.
With the first reading completed, the bill will move forward to debate and committee review before being put to a final vote.
