The Meranaa scheme under Aasandha will be extended to cover Maldivian citizens living in the Philippines starting Thursday, the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) has announced.
The Meranaa scheme currently provides medical coverage for Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka, India, and Malaysia. With the latest expansion, Maldivians living in the Philippines will also be eligible for support under the scheme from January 1, 2026.
NSPA stated that up to 65 percent of medical expenses incurred by Maldivians in the Philippines will be covered under Aasandha. The announcement was made in line with the government’s broader efforts to extend social protection to Maldivians living abroad.
The Philippines is a popular destination for Maldivian students pursuing higher education, particularly in aviation and medicine.
The expansion was announced at a ceremony held Wednesday, where Gender Minister Dr Aishath Shiham officially launched the newly restructured National Social Protection Agency.