The People’s Majlis has opened a public consultation on a proposed amendment to the Education Act that would formalise homeschooling for children who cannot attend school because of physical disability, mental health conditions or other special circumstances.
The deadline for comments is 2:00 pm on 12 November. Submissions may be sent by email to legal+sub1@majlis.gov.mv or delivered in writing to the Parliament Secretariat.
The bill, introduced by Huraa MP Dr Anara Naeem on behalf of the government, was accepted for consideration with unanimous support. It would allow eligible children of compulsory school age to complete their education at home, provided parents or guardians can demonstrate the financial capacity to arrange suitable instruction and the child remains registered at a school.
The Ministry of Education would set standards for tutors, monitor learning outcomes and oversee curriculum adherence. Children whose conditions prevent both classroom and home-based study would be exempt from compulsory education requirements.
Critics, including former President Mohamed Nasheed, have warned that the measure could be misused to keep girls out of school or open the door to unregulated ideological instruction. Supporters, including Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu, say the amendment will strengthen existing inclusive-education guidelines, introduce clear eligibility criteria and prevent misuse.
Home-based learning already operates under a 2021 policy, with dozens of students currently enrolled. The bill seeks to place the programme on a statutory footing.
