Mandatory Child Support Increase Requested in Parliament
A proposal to increase the current mandatory child support of MVR 2,000 was submitted to the Maldives Parliament today by Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu), the North Galolhu MP from the minority opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). The move comes amid growing concerns about the rising cost of living and its impact on single parents and children.
Current Child Support Regulations
Under the Maldives’ Family Act, Section 72, the law requires fathers to provide MVR 2,000 in child support for a single child until the child reaches 18. In cases of multiple children, an additional MVR 1,000 is required for each subsequent child.
The regulations go beyond financial support, also mandating that fathers provide essential items for their children, including:
- Three sets of clothing annually
- Two school uniforms
- One pair of shoes
- A list of school books and study materials
- Full coverage of medical expenses, based on local healthcare centre rates
If needed, additional medical expenses are also covered, depending on the child's needs and the father's financial situation.
Growing Concerns Over Insufficient Support
Despite these regulations, Mohamed Ibrahim raised a crucial concern in his letter to the Speaker of Parliament, Abdul Raheem Abdulla. He argued that the current MVR 2,000 is no longer enough to cover basic child-rearing expenses, especially as prices continue to rise in the Maldives.
"MVR 2,000 doesn’t even cover the costs of school fees or tuition, let alone daily expenses like food and diapers," the letter states. Mohamed pointed out that single mothers, in particular, are facing increasing financial pressure as they rely on child support to meet their children's needs. The MP highlighted that the fixed amount of support has remained the same for years, while the cost of living has surged, causing hardship for many families.
Request for Reform
In light of these issues, Mohamed has formally requested that the Parliamentary Regulation Review Committee meet with officials from the Ministry of Social and Family Development. The goal is to amend the child support regulations to better reflect the financial challenges faced by parents today.
The request aims to adjust the amount of child support provided, ensuring it is enough to meet the essential needs of children, including education, healthcare, and basic living expenses. Mohamed's initiative reflects growing concerns among the public about the adequacy of existing child support regulations in the face of economic changes.
This issue highlights the broader societal concern of how the cost of living is affecting families, especially those who rely on a single income. With inflation, increased tuition fees, and rising healthcare costs, many families are struggling to make ends meet. The proposed amendment to increase child support could help alleviate some of the financial strain on single parents and ensure that children receive the support they need for a healthy and fulfilling upbringing.