President Ratifies Third Amendment to Former Presidents’ Protection and Benefit Act
Former Presidents (L-R): Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Mohamed Nasheed, Dr Mohamed Waheed, Abdulla Yameen and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. | Photos: President’s Office
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Bill for the Third Amendment to the Former Presidents’ Protection and Benefit Act (Act No. 9/2019), following its passage by the 20th People’s Majlis during the 27th sitting of its third session on 1 December 2025.
The Amendment has come into effect upon publication in the Government Gazette.
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The legislation strengthens the legal framework governing protections and benefits for former Presidents and Vice-Presidents, clarifying the conditions under which such benefits may be granted, suspended, or withdrawn.
A key reform removes the office allowance previously provided to former Presidents, part of Government efforts to optimise State resources. Financial benefits for a former President who has served a full term will now be suspended if the individual assumes a second presidential term or another State office. Former Presidents residing abroad will not receive State-provided protection or security during their period of residence outside the country.
The Amendment also extends benefits to former Vice-Presidents who have completed a full five-year presidential term, including a monthly allowance of MVR 30,000 and State-funded healthcare both domestically and overseas.
Protections and benefits will be suspended for former Presidents or Vice-Presidents, and their spouses, if convicted of a criminal offence committed while in office.
The Amendment aims to ensure a fair, transparent, and cost-effective approach to the privileges afforded to former holders of the nation’s highest offices.
