President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced a major initiative, the Maldives National Service Programme, to bolster the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Maldives Police Service (MPS) by recruiting thousands of new personnel over the next four years. The programme, set to launch in 2025, was introduced during his address at the Victory Day ceremony, emphasizing a long-term commitment to safeguarding the country’s security and independence.
President Muizzu highlighted the importance of ensuring that the Maldives remains secure for future generations and underscored that unity and readiness among Maldivians are essential to achieving this. He stated that the National Service Programme will play a crucial role in building a strong and resilient security force, especially by engaging Maldivian youth who are unable to pursue further education or secure employment after completing secondary school.
The programme is expected to address high youth unemployment rates by providing a pathway for young Maldivians into the armed forces and police services. Recent statistics reveal that between 500 and 1,000 students complete O-levels annually but are unable to find jobs or continue their education, leading to challenges such as increased drug dependency and a strain on the economy. To tackle these issues, the President outlined plans to recruit 5,000 young Maldivians over the next four years, with approximately 4,000 joining the MNDF and 1,000 joining the MPS.
The Maldives National Service Programme will be formalized through legislation, and the budget for 2025 includes MVR 400 million allocated to its implementation under New Policy Initiatives. The President also mentioned that additional funding, potentially up to MVR 400 million annually, will ensure the programme’s sustainability.
As part of a broader strategy to modernize and enhance the country’s defence capabilities, President Muizzu detailed plans to upgrade MNDF facilities and equipment. This includes expanding the Girifushi training center by reclaiming 13 hectares of land and adding shore protection, a new port, and advanced weaponry. Discussions with allied nations are also underway to support these developments, with a portion of next year’s budget allocated specifically for arms purchases.
Additionally, the President highlighted the induction of the Special Boat Squadron to strengthen the Coast Guard. Plans include doubling the Coast Guard fleet and expanding surveillance capabilities with an Air Corps and UAVs, enabling efficient monitoring of the Maldives’ economic zone. He expressed gratitude for international support, affirming that all MNDF stations will be further equipped to respond to national threats effectively.
Concluding his address, President Muizzu reiterated that a unified and vigilant nation is crucial to its sovereignty. He called on Maldivians to remain ready to defend against threats and expressed pride in the country’s history of resilience, particularly acknowledging the courage shown on Victory Day.
President Muizzu highlighted the importance of ensuring that the Maldives remains secure for future generations and underscored that unity and readiness among Maldivians are essential to achieving this. He stated that the National Service Programme will play a crucial role in building a strong and resilient security force, especially by engaging Maldivian youth who are unable to pursue further education or secure employment after completing secondary school.
The programme is expected to address high youth unemployment rates by providing a pathway for young Maldivians into the armed forces and police services. Recent statistics reveal that between 500 and 1,000 students complete O-levels annually but are unable to find jobs or continue their education, leading to challenges such as increased drug dependency and a strain on the economy. To tackle these issues, the President outlined plans to recruit 5,000 young Maldivians over the next four years, with approximately 4,000 joining the MNDF and 1,000 joining the MPS.
The Maldives National Service Programme will be formalized through legislation, and the budget for 2025 includes MVR 400 million allocated to its implementation under New Policy Initiatives. The President also mentioned that additional funding, potentially up to MVR 400 million annually, will ensure the programme’s sustainability.
As part of a broader strategy to modernize and enhance the country’s defence capabilities, President Muizzu detailed plans to upgrade MNDF facilities and equipment. This includes expanding the Girifushi training center by reclaiming 13 hectares of land and adding shore protection, a new port, and advanced weaponry. Discussions with allied nations are also underway to support these developments, with a portion of next year’s budget allocated specifically for arms purchases.
Additionally, the President highlighted the induction of the Special Boat Squadron to strengthen the Coast Guard. Plans include doubling the Coast Guard fleet and expanding surveillance capabilities with an Air Corps and UAVs, enabling efficient monitoring of the Maldives’ economic zone. He expressed gratitude for international support, affirming that all MNDF stations will be further equipped to respond to national threats effectively.
Concluding his address, President Muizzu reiterated that a unified and vigilant nation is crucial to its sovereignty. He called on Maldivians to remain ready to defend against threats and expressed pride in the country’s history of resilience, particularly acknowledging the courage shown on Victory Day.
