Ungoofaaru Council has been ordered to ensure public access to Raa atoll Ungulu, after its decision to restrict entry to the island.
The decision follows the recent designation of Ungulu under the jurisdiction of Ungoofaaru by President Mohamed Muizzu.
The island council had announced that only Ungoofaaru residents along with their spouses and children would be allowed to enter Ungulu, pending the formulation of formal regulations.
The notice also required individuals to seek permission through a Google Form, with visits limited to specific hours. The Google form has to be filled before Thursday 12 pm every week which grant people access to Ungulu on Saturdays anytime between 7:30 am to 5:00 pm.
However, local governance minister Adam Shareef Umar said such restrictions were not permissible.
“People from other islands cannot be prevented from accessing Ungulu. A regulation can be made to manage access, but it cannot deny entry,” he said.
The minister said he had instructed the council to revise its decision.
The restriction had sparked concern on social media, particularly as it also affected former residents of Ungulu who were relocated to Raa atoll Hulhudhuffaaru.
The council had said the measure was intended to manage the island, citing concerns over maintenance if access was left unrestricted.
Minister Shareef said the move likely reflected concerns about managing an uninhabited island, but stressed that regulations must ensure access for all.
The council had earlier warned of legal action against those entering the island in violation of its announcement.
