Amendment Proposed to Increase Child Support  Submitted to Parliament

An amendment to increase the mandatory child support payment of MVR 2,000 was submitted to the Maldives Parliament by North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

In a letter addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Mohamed referred to the provisions of Section 72 of the Family Act, which mandates a minimum child support payment of MVR 2,000 per month for a single child, up to the age of 18. For each additional child, the support is to increase by no less than MVR 1,000. 

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The regulations also stipulate that fathers provide three sets of clothing per year, two school uniforms, a pair of shoes, school books and supplies, as well as cover all medical expenses. These medical costs are to be based on local healthcare centre rates, although additional expenses may be incurred depending on the child’s needs and the father’s financial circumstances.

However, Mohamed expressed concerns that the current MVR 2,000 payment is no longer sufficient to meet the financial demands of raising a child, particularly in light of rising living costs.

In his request, Mohamed urged the Parliamentary Regulation Review Committee to meet with officials from the Ministry of Social and Family Development to explore the possibility of amending the current regulations to better reflect the financial realities faced by parents.