New housing rules require flat beneficiaries to vacate units if they opt for land under the government’s scheme

The Housing Ministry has publicised the rules for the government’s new Binnveriyaa special scheme, confirming that individuals who did not receive land under former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s Binnveriyaa programme will be eligible for land, provided they agree to give up their flats.

According to the rules gazetted on Wednesday, land will be issued under the Housing for All scheme to two categories of applicants:  

1. Those who agree to vacate existing land or flats allocated under previous schemes, and  

2. Those who were unable to apply for land under the former administration’s Binnveriyaa scheme.  

Each plot allocated under the new scheme will measure 1,250 square feet.

The rules also state that if a person is confirmed eligible for land under the new scheme, beneficiaries of the previous Binnveriyaa scheme must jointly agree to relinquish their earlier land allocation. The Gazette notes that beneficiaries must submit a joint declaration, agreeing to give up the allocation .

Similarly, those who did not previously apply for land but are now applying for plots must agree to vacate their flats if they receive land under the new scheme.

The Housing Ministry opened applications for the first housing programme under the government’s Housing for All policy on January 18. Under the programme, the government plans to allocate 7,900 flats and 15,000 land plots.

Of the 7,900 flats,  

• 4,000 are reserved for Male' City residents,  

• 1,500 for non-residents, and  

• 2,400 for special categories.

According to the ministry, 5,067 people have applied so far, including 3,434 applications for flats and 1,633 for land.

The Gazette also outlines several administrative and compliance requirements for applicants, including mandatory documentation, verification procedures, and conditions for those relinquishing previous allocations.