Services halted due to lack of names for the atoll offices
Essential public services in the atolls have come to a standstill following amendments to the Decentralization Act that dissolved atoll councils, as the newly established offices have yet to be officially named. The suspension of critical services, including the issuance of licenses and passports, has sparked public concern, particularly as many administrative decisions must now be routed through the Local Government Authority (LGA) in Malé. With services unlikely to resume until after the Eid holidays, critics argue that these disruptions represent a significant setback and a weakening of the decentralized governance system.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during a meeting held with the members of the HDh. Hirimaradhoo Island Council in 2024. | President's Office
The newly established atoll offices, introduced by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in a move reminiscent of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s administration, have seen a suspension of numerous services as the government has yet to finalize an official name for the institutions.
According to reports, the Local Government Authority (LGA) has declined to approve the proposed names for the atoll offices following widespread public criticism over the naming conventions. As a result, all services at these offices have now come to a complete standstill.
In a letter sent to the Local Government Authority (LGA) on Sunday, the President's Office stated that regional offices established to provide LGA services under the Decentralization Act are integral components of the Authority rather than independent government entities. Consequently, the President has advised that instead of assigning unique names to these branches, each should be officially designated as the "Local Government Authority (Atoll) Office."
When the new councils were sworn in on Sunday, May 17, 2026, atoll councils stood dissolved following an amendment to the Decentralization Act introduced by the current administration. Despite the dissolution of these councils, the government has provided assurances that services previously rendered by them will continue uninterrupted.
These offices previously provided a wide range of essential public services, including driver licensing, vehicle registration, and passport services. However, five days after atoll councils were dissolved and transitioned into atoll offices, all services remain suspended as the official titles for these offices have yet to be finalized.
A reliable source informed RaajjeMV that this issue has affected the entire country, leading to significant public concern. The source further noted that services previously accessible with ease will become increasingly difficult to obtain in the future, as the current administration has effectively shifted the decentralized system back toward a centralized one.
He noted that currently, even a council employee seeking a simple document to verify their employment must submit a request to the Local Government Authority (LGA) in Malé, as there is no other way to obtain such records. However, he pointed out that councils previously had the autonomy to issue these documents directly.
With the upcoming Eid al-Adha holidays, government offices will remain closed, and public services will not resume until the end of the month.
