In a bold move to address youth unemployment and bolster national defense, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced the launch of the Maldives National Service Program, set to commence in April 2025. This initiative aims to provide structured opportunities for young Maldivians, particularly those aged 16 to 28, to engage in military and police training, fostering discipline, patriotism, and employability.
The program, first introduced during the Victory Day celebrations in November 2024, is designed to recruit 5,000 youths over the next four years—4,000 into the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and 1,000 into the Maldives Police Service (MPS) . President Muizzu emphasized that this initiative will not only strengthen the nation’s security apparatus but also provide a constructive path for youths who have completed their O-levels but are unable to pursue further education or employment .
“We cannot afford to let our youth face uncertainty. Their potential is untapped, and it is our responsibility to guide them toward productive paths that benefit them and the nation as a whole,” President Muizzu stated .
Participants will undergo comprehensive training on Girifushi Island, focusing on essential life skills, discipline, and moral values, with the goal of shaping them into productive members of society who contribute positively to their families and the nation .
To support the implementation of the National Service Program, the government has allocated MVR 400 million in the 2025 budget, with provisions to add the same amount annually . This financial commitment underscores the administration’s dedication to empowering youth and ensuring national security.
Applications for the program are now open, and interested individuals can download the application form from the Ministry of Defence website .
President Muizzu’s National Service Program represents a significant step toward addressing youth unemployment and reinforcing the Maldives’ defense capabilities, reflecting a comprehensive approach to national development and security.
In a pivotal step toward empowering the next generation, the President’s Office has announced tonight that applications are now open for the Maldives National Service Program — a flagship initiative of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu aimed at nation-building through youth empowerment and national unity.
Young Maldivians aged between 16 and 28 are invited to apply for the program starting this evening. Those aged 16 to 18 must submit a guardian’s no-objection declaration with their application. The Ministry of Defence has made the application form available on its official website.
First introduced by President Muizzu during his Victory Day 2024 address and reiterated in his 2025 Presidential Address, the Maldives National Service Program is a cornerstone policy of the administration. It is designed to instill discipline, national pride, and Islamic values in young citizens while preparing them to serve during national emergencies and bolster the ranks of the country’s security forces.
“This program will forge a morally upright, trained, and united generation — one that is strong in spirit and steadfast in duty to the nation,” President Muizzu declared in a national address.
Participants will receive a government allowance from the day they begin service, ensuring inclusivity and support for every Maldivian youth who joins. The initiative is also expected to streamline recruitment into the Maldives National Defence Force and other security services, while nurturing a resilient and cooperative youth base ready to meet the country’s future challenges.
As the nation opens this new chapter of civic and patriotic engagement, President Muizzu’s vision for a prepared and principled youth force begins to take form — with the first step starting tonight.
