Guardians of persons with disabilities, on their behalf can now seek affordable social housing. According to the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development this opportunity will be made available from May 20 onwards until June 15.
The Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Abdulla Muththalib confirmed ongoing efforts to tweak the social housing policies to introduce social housing eligibility and subsequent opportunity for persons with disabilities. He said this in April, while adding the ministry was working towards changing the policies that would facilitate this shift.
The opportunity applies to guardians registered with the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) who represent minors under the age of 18 or individuals who face significant challenges in completing the application process independently.
Earlier, the opportunity the window for persons with disabilities to submit individual applications for state housing projects under the government’s “Housing for All” policy and “Family Housing” program opened on April 1. Applicants of this category are required to submit a copy of their NSPA disability identification as proof or registration.
Previous regulations the ministry issued required only a simple declaration of disability. However, an amendment introduced in February eased the residency requirements for such individuals to become eligible for the state housing programs.
The current criteria affords eligibility for such individuals who have resided continuously in Greater Male’ area for a five-year-period.
Moreover, the revised policy for Male’ residents includes a provision for those who, due to financial impediments or the nature of disability, are unable to sustain a living in the Greater Male’ Area but forced to relocate to the area for medical treatment. Individuals who fall under this category are eligible to apply if they have sought medical treatment in the area within the past year.
The initial phase of the current administration’s “Housing for All” policy was first opened in January 2026.