The government has announced that it will take back state-allocated flats if they are rented out, even if legal provisions are introduced to regulate the matter. The warning comes amid growing concerns over the misuse of public housing schemes intended for vulnerable citizens.

At a press conference held to brief the public on the Binveriyaa (land owner) and Gedhoruveriyaa (home owner) Schemes, Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib addressed the issue of beneficiaries subletting government-provided flats. He emphasized that while the land may be provided free of charge, the construction of housing units relies heavily on government-secured loans. These loans are issued with the expectation that rent collected from beneficiaries will help sustain repayments and keep the housing program operational.

According to the minister, when tenants rent out subsidized flats for personal gain, it not only violates the intent of the program but also threatens the government’s ability to secure future housing loans. This could, in turn, halt progress on urgently needed housing developments and infringe upon the rights of other citizens waiting for shelter.

The minister was particularly critical of individuals who, after obtaining flats by protesting, applying political pressure, or claiming severe housing need, later choose to profit by renting them out. He described this behavior as unjust and unacceptable, adding that the government will take strict action, including repossession, against such misuse.

The minister also clarified that no new names have been added to the list of flat recipients announced on 15 November 2023. However, individuals who failed to meet basic eligibility criteria have been removed. He warned the public not to engage with scammers, stressing that there is no way to pay for a place on the list, and anyone promising such access is operating fraudulently.

The government’s stance signals a shift toward stricter enforcement and oversight of state housing schemes, amid mounting criticism over lack of accountability and rising evidence of abuse within the system. While officials claim the measures are intended to protect public resources and ensure housing reaches those who truly need it, the broader concern remains: whether the state’s mechanisms for eligibility screening and enforcement are robust enough to prevent such exploitation in the first place.