MVR 5,000 fee to relinquish Bilehdhoo residency, MVR 2,500 incentive to become resident

The F. Bilehdhoo Council has introduced a fee for individuals who choose to relinquish Bilehdhoo residency, an island of less than 1,000 people.

In an announcement by the Bilehdhoo Council earlier this month, the council stated that a fee of MVR 5,000 will be charged to residents who apply to cancel their residency effective from this month.

In a separate measure aimed at encouraging population growth, the council has also announced a financial incentive of MVR 2,500 for individuals who transfer their residency from another island to Bilehdhoo.

The council has not provided a specific explanation for its decision to impose a fee on residents seeking to relinquish their residency.

According to the latest census figures, Bilehdhoo, located approximately three to four hours from the capital, Malé, has a population of 967.

Bilehdhoo is not the only island to introduce such measures in response to population decline. Last month, the Lh. Hinnavaru Council announced an administrative fee of MVR 2,000 for residents seeking to relinquish their residency. Similarly, the Th. Kinbidhoo Council, citing the adverse effects of a declining population, began charging MVR 1,200 for residency relinquishment from this month.

Under Maldivian laws governing residency, every citizen has the right to transfer their residency from one island to another. Historically, the capital city of Malé has remained the primary destination for citizens seeking to change their place of residency.