Gov’t to Lease Uninhabited Islands for Non-Economic Purposes

Yesterday, the “Allocation of Uninhabited Islands for Fisheries, Agriculture, and Economic Purposes Rules” were officially gazetted, permitting the leasing of uninhabited islands for a period of 21 years. 

However, this lease will be restricted to purposes that do not involve fisheries, agriculture, or other economic activities. The new rules, which will be in effect starting today, aim to regulate the use of such islands for non-economic ventures.

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The scope of these regulations excludes certain categories of uninhabited islands, which are as follows:

• Uninhabited islands are designated for inheritance under the law.
• Uninhabited islands intended for leasing for fishing and agricultural purposes.
• Uninhabited islands that have already been allocated as industrial islands for economic or other industrial activities.
• Uninhabited islands are subject to rental agreements under the Tourism Act of Maldives.
• Determining the uninhabited islands not under the jurisdiction of any island council or city council will be the responsibility of the President, with advice from the Cabinet committee. 

The provisions for the allocation of uninhabited islands under this rule are as follows:

• Allocation through a public announcement based on tendering.
• Submission of a detailed proposal outlining the intended use of the island.
• The President may decide to entrust the management of an uninhabited island to a council, subject to certain conditions initiated by the Government.
• The lease period for these islands is set at 21 years, although the lessee has the option to request a shorter duration. If a lessee wishes to extend the lease period, they must apply to the allottee within 12 to 24 months. The grantor retains the authority to approve an extension of up to 50 years.

It is essential for lessees to comply strictly with the designated purpose of the island. Utilizing the forest or any part of the island for purposes other than the allocated use will result in penalties. Besides the measures outlined in the agreement, the authority also holds the power to impose a fine of MVR 1,000,000.

These rules aim to facilitate the responsible use and management of uninhabited islands for non-economic activities, fostering sustainable practices and preserving the natural environment.