President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Third Amendment to the Former Presidents’ Protection and Benefit Act (Act No. 9/2019), following its approval by the People’s Majlis.

The amendment revises the framework governing the privileges and protections accorded to former Presidents and Vice Presidents, clearly defining when such benefits may be granted, suspended, or withdrawn.

A central change introduced is the abolition of the office allowance previously allocated to former Presidents, as part of the government’s cost-efficiency measures aimed at reducing state expenditure.

The legislation further provides that financial benefits due to a former President who has completed a full term will be suspended if the individual is re-elected or assumes another state office. 

Former Presidents residing overseas will also no longer receive state-funded protection or security during their stay abroad.

Protections and benefits are now extended to former Vice Presidents who have served a full five-year term, entitling them to a monthly allowance of MVR 30,000 and state-funded healthcare, both locally and internationally.

Additionally, the law stipulates that any former President or Vice President convicted of an offence committed while in office will lose all entitlements, including those extended to their spouses, from the date of conviction.