The government has introduced a new initiative allowing individuals to pay annual fees and fines for land vehicles and marine vessels in monthly installments. The flexible payment plan is part of the recently gazetted “Regulations on the Allocation of Annual Fees and Penalties Payable for Road Vehicles and Marine Vessels,” issued by the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation.
The regulation is designed to ease the financial burden on vehicle and vessel owners who are unable to pay their dues in a single lump sum. It covers annual fees, fines for non-payment of such fees, and other related penalties owed to the state.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the installment plan, applicants must meet five specific criteria:
- The total outstanding amount must exceed USD 648 (approximately MVR 10,000).
- The payment due date must have already passed.
- A formal request for a lenient payment plan must be submitted under the regulation.
- The applicant must not have previously used this payment plan option.
- The individual must be the registered owner of the vehicle or vessel in question.
Applicants are also required to pay a commitment fee to enroll in the scheme. Failure to pay this fee within 14 days will result in the cancellation of the payment plan request. For those who comply, the Ministry will establish a formal agreement outlining the terms of the monthly installments.
Payment Structure and Penalties
The minimum monthly installment amount will be calculated after deducting the commitment fee from the total amount owed. However, failure to meet the agreed payment schedule within 30 days may result in the termination of the agreement.
Ministerial Remarks
Following the announcement, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Mohamed Ameen, emphasized that the initiative reflects President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s vision of making life easier for Maldivian citizens. He expressed gratitude to the President for prioritizing policies aimed at alleviating financial stress on the public.
The initiative is expected to provide significant relief for individuals struggling to meet their financial obligations while promoting compliance with state regulations on vehicles and vessels.
Further details on the application process and terms of the payment plan are expected to be shared by the Ministry in the coming weeks.
