President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that so far 658 individuals have applied to participate in the Maldives National Service Program. He said this while answering questions from journalists after signing the bill on “Preventing Gang-Related Crimes and Other Dangerous Crimes”. Responding to journalists’ questions after signing the bill on preventing gangs, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said that one of the most important initiatives taken by the government to keep children away from criminal environments is the National Service Program. The President said that through this program, a large number of youth and children will be trained through the military service, and disciplined, morally upright individuals will be produced for society.
The President said that as the deadline for applying to participate in this program approaches on the 1st of next month, 658 applications have been received so far. He said that among them, 316 children under the age of 18 have applied to participate in this program with parental consent. “This program will produce morally upright, religious, and hardworking youth. After completing the program, they can join the military or police service. If they don’t want to, they can pursue other paths as well. Many of the youth involved in street crimes will be reduced,” the President said.
The Ministry of Defense has stated that those between the ages of 16 and 28 are eligible to apply for this service. For those between 16 and 18 years old, a declaration of no objection from the guardian must be submitted when applying to join the National Service. The Ministry of Defense states that applicants for this program must be in good health to serve in the Maldives National Service Program. Participants in this program will be selected after completing a medical assessment of the applicants.
