Public confusion mounts over flat issue: protesters demand clarity from ministry as no letter was sent after July 10

The confusion surrounding the flat issue has escalated once again, with members of the public protesting at the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure.

Speaking at a press conference on 29 May 2025, Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib stated that the government would act according to the flat list released on 15 November 2023.

He mentioned that many people on that list who were supposed to receive flats had already been given agreements. This includes both those who received agreements from the previous administration and those who didn't. According to the portal, both those who received agreements and those who didn't are shown as "eligible" for flats.

Naaif, who is leading efforts to secure the rights of those who were allocated flats, said that about 70 people went to the housing ministry on Thursday. He explained that those without agreements wanted to clarify whether they would receive flats if they were eligible, while those with agreements wanted to clarify why the portal hadn't been updated.

Addressing the protesters, a person in the position of Permanent Secretary at the housing ministry stated that priority in flat allocation would be given to those who have received agreements. He said they would first resolve issues for those with agreements, and then address the problems of those without agreements, as relayed by Naaif.

Naaif pointed out that no letters were sent after July 10 to inform individuals they would not be receiving flat agreements. He noted that the distribution of such letters ceased following a press conference held by the association advocating for the rights of flat recipients. Meanwhile, the housing ministry continues to claim that the process of notifying those who will not receive flats is still ongoing.