In a bold move to address one of Maldive’s most pressing challenges – severe housing shortages in the densely populated capital region – the Maldives government has rolled out its comprehensive ‘Housing for All’ policy.
Under the scheme guidelines, initial rents for ARHCs are determined by local authorities based on surveys. The rent increases by 8 per cent biennially, with a maximum cumulative increase of 20 per cent over five years.
Experts advocate treating care as essential social infrastructure. Expanding services, redistributing unpaid work through policy, and challenging norms that sideline educated women could unlock significant gains.
This 2026 event arrives after earlier haor region floods earlier in the year, underscoring recurring pressures. Migration to urban centres and climate adaptation efforts remain critical long-term challenges.
Experts advocate treating care as essential social infrastructure. Expanding services, redistributing unpaid work through policy, and challenging norms that sideline educated women could unlock significant gains.