President Mohamed Muizzu has introduced sweeping changes to the structure of the government, reshaping ministries and redistributing responsibilities across key state institutions.
The changes were formalised through Directive No. 7/2026 issued by the President’s Office, outlining a broad reorganisation that includes the dissolution of several ministries, the creation of a new ministry, renaming of existing portfolios, and the reassignment of oversight for multiple government agencies.
As part of the restructuring, a new Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy has been established, reflecting an increased focus on environmental governance and sustainability.
At the same time, a number of ministries have been dissolved, including those responsible for social and family development, transport and civil aviation, higher education and skills development, youth and arts, cities and local government, as well as agriculture and animal welfare.
Several ministries have also been rebranded to reflect expanded or revised mandates. These include changes to portfolios overseeing finance, education, health, economic development, Islamic affairs, tourism, youth, culture, infrastructure, and fisheries.
The restructuring also involves significant shifts in the management of government agencies. Institutions related to employment services have been moved under the Ministry of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology, while education and skills development bodies have been consolidated under the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development.
Social welfare services, including agencies supporting families, children, and senior citizens, have been transferred to the Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare. Meanwhile, transport safety oversight has been reassigned to the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.
Cultural and heritage institutions such as the National Library, National Archives, and National Art Gallery have been brought under the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage, consolidating the country’s cultural administration.
Environmental bodies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, the Utility Regulatory Authority, and the Maldives Meteorological Service, have been moved to the newly established Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy.
The government said the restructuring aims to improve efficiency, streamline operations, and better align institutional responsibilities with national priorities.
