Housing Minister Abdulla Muththalib has said there will be no pathway for purchasers of units in the Rasmalé waterfront and marina project to turn their holdings into permanent freehold property.
Writing on LinkedIn, the minister responded to claims that the project could allow Israeli citizens or other foreign interests to settle permanently in the Maldives. He stressed that all units will be sold on fixed-term leases only and that freehold title will never be granted.
Muththalib noted that land in the project remains under full Maldivian state ownership. Buyers will be required to declare their nationality, and any false declaration can result in the cancellation of the agreement and reversion of the property to the state. Ownership caps will also limit how many units any single nationality can acquire.
He rejected suggestions that the commercial terms of the deal with Eagle Hills would quietly override the government’s ban on Israeli passports, describing such claims as baseless. The minister said the project is structured to prioritise Maldivian buyers and that the majority of units are intended for local ownership over time.
The Rasmalé agreement continues to generate political debate, with opposition figures questioning transparency and long-term implications for sovereignty.
