President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has vowed to remove the excessive red tape which he says is behind most of the issues facing Maldivians pursuing higher studies abroad.
The President made this commitment after meeting Maldivian students during his visit to the United Kingdom (UK).
During the luncheon he hosted for the students, President Dr Muizzu acknowledged the significance of such interactions to listen and address the concerns of Maldivians studying and living abroad.
The President said that one of the biggest challenges faced by students pursuing higher studies in foreign countries is the delay in the disbursement of funds, adding that his Administration is working hard to ease such difficulties.
"Hopefully in the future I will address the inefficiencies within the government system whether it is receiving stipend or tuition fee on a timely basis. For example, the most common concern I have received is the delay in getting a response of the relevant government agency. I will hopefully address that,” he said.
President Dr Muizzu promised to streamline all branches of government to weed out needless red tape and ensure maximum efficiency.
The President also assured that such issues will be addressed by giving equal attention to all students pursuing higher education abroad, including government and privately funded students.
During the sit-down, President Dr Muizzu had also reinstated No. 9 Rosemont Avenue, London as the premises of Maldivian Students’ Association-UK (MSA-UK).
The property which had historically housed Maldivian students and served as a hub to support Maldivian students in the UK was in 2019 repurposed for diplomatic use by the High Commission of Maldives in the United Kingdom. However, the property has now been reinstated as a student accommodation and hub registered under the MSA-UK. This decision aims to enhance student welfare and community ties.