President Mohamed Muizzu has announced that efforts are underway to launch the Citizens’ Complaints Bureau before 26 July. He made the remarks during the newly launched programme Nation Chat, aired on Public Service Media (PSM) tonight.
The President said extensive work is being carried out to establish the bureau, which will provide a 24-hour service to address complaints related to administrative matters across the Government system. He explained that complaints submitted by citizens would be managed through a digital system incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI), enabling relevant authorities to access information quickly and provide prompt responses. He added that the bureau would also include a 24-hour call centre to support the effective delivery of the service.
During the programme, the President also shared updates on various Government initiatives aimed at improving public welfare and services.
In this regard, he said positive results were already becoming evident following the reconstitution of the Cabinet. He added that students studying abroad previously had to wait an average of four weeks to complete administrative procedures, whereas the process has now been reduced to four days.
The President also provided updates on efforts to address issues related to undocumented expatriate workers residing illegally in the Maldives. He stated that only one per cent of expatriates now remain without biometric registration, describing this as a significant achievement compared with progress made in countries such as United Arab Emirates and Singapore. He further noted that more than 12,000 expatriates had been deported during the past two and a half years of the current Administration, attributing the achievement to the efforts of all parties involved.
Addressing public discussions alleging that the Government plans to re-establish Atoll Offices, the President clarified that no political appointees, such as atoll chiefs or governors, would be assigned to those offices. He explained that the offices currently operate as sections under the Local Government Authority.
The President also shared information on Government initiatives related to development, healthcare, social issues, housing and national service programmes.