Hoarafushi has long welcomed residents from smaller islands: Council
Following the government's decision to relocate the residents of HDh. Hirimaradhoo to HDh. Hanimaadhoo and the subsequent dissolution of the island's council, the Hoarafushi Council has opened an opportunity for those who wish to migrate to Hoarafushi instead. While the Hanimaadhoo Council has invited interested parties to register their names for relocation, the Hoarafushi Council has confirmed it will engage in necessary discussions with the government to facilitate the move for those choosing their island.
A meeting held by the Hoarafushi Council. | Hoarafushi Council
The Hoarafushi Island Council has stated that the island has always been a welcoming destination for those seeking to migrate from smaller populations, noting that this was the primary reason for extending an invitation to the residents of HDh. Hirimaradhoo.
The government has decided to relocate the residents of Hirimaradhoo to Hanimaadhoo in the same atoll, with the President officially designating Hirimaradhoo as an uninhabited island. Consequently, the island's Council and its administrative office will be formally dissolved effective May 17, 2026.
Following these changes, the residents of Hirimaradhoo have been administratively integrated with Hanimaadhoo under the newly elected local council. Furthermore, in the recent elections, the residents of Hirimaradhoo cast their votes specifically to elect the Hanimaadhoo Council.
The Hoarafushi Island Council has extended an official invitation to residents of Hirimaradhoo currently residing in Hanimaadhoo who wish to relocate to Hoarafushi. Consequently, the Hanimaadhoo Council has now opened the opportunity for interested individuals to register their names to accept this invitation and facilitate their relocation.
In an announcement, the Hanimaadhoo Council stated that following a decision made during a general meeting of the Hoarafushi Council, a formal invitation has been extended to the residents of Hirimaradhoo who wish to relocate to Hoarafushi.
Accordingly, the announcement requests those wishing to relocate to Hoarafushi to register their names within 30 days, starting from June 24. Registration can be completed at the former Hirimaradhoo Council Secretariat, which currently serves as the Hanimaadhoo District Office.
In response to inquiries from RaajjeMV, the President of the Hoarafushi Island Council, Mohamed Asfam, stated that the island has always welcomed residents from smaller communities seeking to relocate. He noted that the council took the initiative to extend this invitation for that very reason. Asfam further highlighted that Hoarafushi had previously extended similar invitations and a warm welcome to the residents of Hathifushi and Berinmadhoo.
Asfam stated that the decision was finalized during a council meeting held by the previous administration on March 27, 2026. He further noted that a formal letter was issued on March 28, 2026, inviting those interested in relocating to Hoarafushi to come forward.
He stated that once residents register their names under the announcement recently issued by the Hanimaadhoo Council, the Hoarafushi Council will undertake the necessary preparations and engage in required consultations with the government regarding the matter.
