Raa and Baa atolls

President Muizzu Announces Lease Extension Plan for Uninhabited Islands to Boost Local Economies

President Mohamed Muizzu announced plans to extend the lease period for uninhabited islands from 10 to 25 years, with a possibility of 50 years in the future, to boost local economies. The announcement came during his tour of Raa and Baa atolls, speaking at Meedhoo Island, Raa Atoll. The government published a guideline on 17 February in the Government Gazette, listing 25 uninhabited islands initially available for lease by local councils. The President said the list was limited to mitigate risks such as prior transfers, litigation, or ministry allocations. The plan will eventually expand to cover all councils.