Man fined MVR 50,000 for operating labour quarters inside FDC social housing flat

A man has been fined MVR 50,000 and given 10 days to evict foreign workers after he was found to be operating labour quarters inside a social housing flat owned by Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC).

FDC Managing Director Hamdhaan Shakeel told Sun on Wednesday that the individual, a resident of the flat, had been using the unit to run the labour quarters in violation of the housing agreement.

Hamdhaan said the fine was imposed under the terms of the flat agreement.  

“We have instructed him to evict the foreigners within ten days. If they don’t, we will move to the next stage,” he said.

The FDC flats are part of the 4,000‑unit social housing project allocated under former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s Gedhoruveriya Scheme.

FDC has also fined two other individuals MVR 8,000 each for dumping garbage at the towers.

In late December, the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) ordered the removal of labour quarters operating inside Hulhumalé social housing flats, warning that agreements would be terminated if foreigners were not vacated before January 3. No updates have been issued since.

The misuse of social housing flats continues to draw criticism, particularly due to high‑priced subletting. Even before the FDC flats were handed over, some units were advertised for rent at significantly inflated rates.

Amid public concern, Housing Minister Dr Abdullah Muthalib previously stated that he would move to stop the leasing of social housing flats to third parties, even if it required amending the law.