Two political directors appointed to positions based in Hirimaradhoo, despite the island being officially designated as uninhabited
21 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | ހޯމަ 08:42Concerns are mounting among the residents of Hdh. Hirimaradhoo over the lack of a clear plan and ongoing delays in their scheduled relocation to Hanimaadhoo. Despite the island's transition toward uninhabited status, the Ministry of Youth has recently appointed two individuals to political positions based on the island, even as administrative functions have ground to a halt and essential services continue to deteriorate.
Haa Dhaalu Atoll Hirimaradhoo. | Visit Hirimaradhoo Maldives
By presidential decree, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has appointed two individuals to government political positions based in Hdh. Hirimaradhoo, a designated uninhabited island.
Both individuals were appointed as political directors under the Ministry of Youth Empowerment.
According to information obtained by RaajjeMV, the appointment letters issued to the two individuals specify Haa Dhaalu Atoll Hirimaradhoo as their official place of work. The two directors, who serve in political positions, receive a monthly salary of MVR 20,000 each.
Hdh. Hirimaradhoo has been officially designated as an uninhabited island by presidential decree. Under a decree issued by President Muizzu in December 2025, the island is now administratively classified as uninhabited.
Following the President's decree to convert Hirimaradhoo into an uninhabited island, the government had initially planned to complete the relocation and resettlement of its residents to Hanimaadhoo within 18 months. However, residents have expressed concerns that there is no longer any certainty the project will be finished within the designated timeframe. They noted that progress has stalled and physical works on the relocation project have currently come to a standstill.
The primary concern raised by the public regarding this issue is the potential standstill of the island's administrative operations and the disruption of essential services. With more than 300 residents currently living in Hirimaradhoo, the community remains in a state of uncertainty, left in the dark regarding the future of their island.
In an interview with RaajjeTV regarding the matter, Hanimaadhoo Council President Ali Ibrahim stated that although the President had pledged to complete the housing units for the residents of Hirimaradhoo and hand over the keys within 18 months, the actual progress of the project appears to be deeply mired in confusion.
Citing the residents of Hirimaradhoo, Ali Ibrahim stated that the community remains unclear on the government’s specific plan for their relocation. He noted that the residents are particularly uncertain about the 184 housing units mentioned by the government, including their exact location and whether the legal registries for these properties even exist.
