Parliament passes amendment to Land Act

The parliament has passed an Amendment Bill to the Land Act proposed by the government, to allow the lease of state lands and property on state lands for 50 years.

The bill was passed at today's parliament sitting, with 58 votes in favour, and three votes against.

The bill was submitted to the parliament by Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) member, Gadhdhoo MP Ahmed Rasheed.

The bill states that lands leased for residential purposes, parts of those lands, or parts of buildings constructed on those lands, can be leased for purposes excluding residential purposes for a maximum of 50 years.

The bill states that if a property on a land, or part of a property on a land which is under the purview of a ministry, is sold, 15 percent of the selling price should be paid by the seller to the government as tax.

The bill further states that buying and selling is allowed, in accordance with the regulations established under the Land Act for lands which are designated for economic purposes and handed over to ministries.

The Land Act, first put together in 2002, states that state lands can be leased for 15 years. The duration was increased to 35 years by the 16th parliament.