Fahi Union has called on President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to reduce rents and waive down payments for the recipients of the 4,000 flats allocated under the Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC).

In a statement released this week, the union expressed concern over the government’s continued silence on widespread public appeals to ease the financial burden on those awarded the flats. Fahi Union also raised alarm over the issuance of letters warning that individuals who temporarily left the capital Malé City for various reasons may no longer be eligible for the housing scheme.

The union noted that while they had earlier appealed for rent reductions and down payment waivers, President Muizzu recently announced during a visit to Thimarafushi in Thaa Atoll that the government plans to reduce social housing rents from an average of MVR 5,000 to MVR 3,300. The union acknowledged previous efforts by the president, including directives issued in December 2023 to reduce rent across all government-built social housing units by 20 to 30 percent.

However, Fahi Union stressed that economic conditions have significantly worsened since those decisions. At the time of the president's directive, the USD exchange rate was MVR 16.50; it has since risen to between MVR 20 and 21. With the handover of the 4,000 flats beginning in 2025, the union argued that families will struggle to meet rising housing costs without further government intervention.

In light of the country’s economic challenges and the financial hardship faced by many citizens, Fahi Union renewed its call for a meaningful reduction in rents and a complete waiver of down payments for flat recipients.

The union also criticized recent measures that disqualify applicants based on interruptions in their residency in Malé City. According to the statement, individuals affected include those who left the capital for brief periods, were forcibly relocated by the state, detained or imprisoned, or traveled abroad for long-term medical treatment or education. In some cases, the individuals were later found not guilty of the charges that led to their detention.

Fahi Union further highlighted that people who were forced to relocate due to the Covid-19 pandemic or other uncontrollable circumstances are now being told they are ineligible for housing because their continuous residence in Malé City was disrupted.

Calling this exclusion unfair and discriminatory, the union urged President Muizzu to immediately halt the issuance of such letters and ensure that all affected individuals retain their eligibility for the flats.

The union emphasized the need for urgent action to prevent further injustice and to protect the housing rights of vulnerable groups and long-term residents of the capital.