Maldives creates Government Services Centres in 18 atolls by presidential directive

8 October 2026

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has created a set of Government Services Centres across the country through Directive No. 16/2026. He used the power the Maldivian Constitution gives him under Article 116(a), and the Centres are to be run by the Ministry of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology. One Centre has been set up for each of 18 atolls, from Haa Alifu in the far north to Gaafu Dhaalu in the south, taking in Kaafu, Laamu, Thaa and the rest. The idea is to deliver public services from a single integrated counter in each atoll rather than through scattered offices. That requirement comes from Article 65(b)(1) of the Decentralization Act, which is Act No. 7/2010. The directive also fixes the official name of each Centre and the letter code it is to use in government correspondence.