Higher Education Minister Dr. Ali Haidar, on Monday, failed to respond to questions regarding the delays in disbursement of loan payments for Maldivian students studying abroad and the subsequent difficulties they face as a result.
Minister Haidar was summoned to Monday’s parliamentary sitting to respond to questions regarding delays in reviewing minimum wage and the failure to formulate regulations under the Industrial Relations Act despite one year since enactment.
During the timeframe allocation for questioning, some lawmakers questioned the Minister regarding difficulties faced by many students due to delays in the disbursement of loan payments for students studying abroad under the government’s student loan scheme. 
Main opposition MDP’s North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudoo) was one of the lawmakers who posed the question.
However, Minister Haidar failed to answer the questions, citing it was beyond the scope of today’s topic.
Kudoo, via a post on X, said the delays in disbursing loan payments for many students studying abroad remain a crucial concern. As such, he described the ‘Minister of Higher Education’s’ failure to answer the question as an irresponsible act.
While answering a question sent by Parliament in writing on April 30th, Minister Haidar acknowledged delays in disbursing payments for students studying abroad on the government’s loan scheme and scholarships. He attributed the delays to incomplete information or documents provided by students.
On May 13th, he appeared before the Parliament to answer questions, during which he announced the Ministry’s decision to introduce an application called ‘Higher Education Management System’ before October to address complaints from students.
In meantime, Minister Haidar said the Ministry will be setting up special Whatsapp hotlines to receive complaints from students, with a separate hotline for each country where over 50 Maldivian students reside. The first hotline has already been operationalized, he added.
Despite this, lawmakers have expressed concern over students and parents still complaining over difficulties in contacting the Ministry.