Priority categories for housing allocation: Additional criteria introduced for applicants with disabilities
For the purpose of housing allocations, individuals with disabilities are defined as those who meet the criteria specified under the Law on the Protection of Rights and Provision of Financial Assistance to Persons with Disabilities.
Housing units under the 'Gedhoruveriya' scheme.
The authorities have published the first amendment to the policy for allocating flats to residents of Male', introducing more stringent criteria for the selection of applicants under the category for persons with disabilities.
The previous policy included specific priority categories for the allocation of housing units. Among the 11 categories identified were single mothers, taxi drivers, resort employees, and persons with disabilities.
The eligibility criteria for the allocation of these flats include specific requirements regarding income thresholds and asset ownership.
However, the recently amended regulations include a new provision specifically prioritizing persons with disabilities, outlining additional eligibility criteria for this category. Under these revised rules, individuals eligible for housing priority are defined as those recognized under the Law on the Protection of Rights and Provision of Financial Assistance to Persons with Disabilities.
The article defines persons with disabilities as individuals with long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
Furthermore, eligibility criteria require the individual to be someone who regularly travels to the Greater Male' Area for medical treatment and has received treatment within the region for at least the past year. Alternatively, they must be a resident of Male' who has sought medical care over the past year or an individual who has maintained continuous residency in the Greater Male' Area for the last five years.
The revised regulations detail the documentation required for persons with disabilities. These requirements include either a document confirming inclusion in the National Disability Register or a certificate issued by a licensed practitioner at a registered healthcare facility.
Furthermore, if the individual is required to travel regularly to the Greater Male' Area for medical treatment and has been receiving such treatment within the region for at least the past year, they must submit supporting documentation. This includes a doctor's statement and an official letter from a health center confirming the ongoing treatment and its duration.
