Kinbidhoo introduces MVR 1,200 fee for residents who move to other islands

Th. Kinbidhoo Island Council has decided to charge a fee from residents who leave their registered residence on the island. The council said the fee will apply to people who move to other islands, in an effort to discourage migration that could further reduce Kinbidhoo’s already small population.

Under the new regulation, anyone who leaves their residence in Kinbidhoo and transfers their registry to another island will be required to pay an administrative fee of MVR 1,200. The council said the fee will take effect starting Thursday.

Kinbidhoo, where around 1400 people live, has been facing steady population decline in recent years. The council said maintaining an accurate registry is essential for planning services and managing the island’s limited resources.

Last month, the Lh. Hinnavaru Island Council also decided to charge an administrative fee of MVR 2,000 for residents who leave their registered residence due to reducing population.

According to the Maldives Citizenship Act, every citizen has the right to move freely from one island to another. Many people choose to transfer their registry to Male’ city, where most services and employment opportunities are concentrated.