President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that Maldivians above the age of 16 who are unable to continue their academic life due to various reasons after completing their secondary education and are not eligible for employment can join the Maldives National Service Programme and be recruited to the Army or Police.

He made the announcement in his address at the official ceremony to commemorate Victory Day.

President Muizzu said the Maldives National Service Programme will be implemented every year starting in 2025 to increase the personnel at the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Maldives Police Service (MPS).

He said that it is important to recognise the work needed to ensure the country's security and independence and emphasised the importance of continuing the national service programme to achieve this goal.

"Every year, the figures show that there are 2000 to 3000 children who cannot do A-level after completing their O-level. They didn't pass with good grades at O-level and couldn't join A-level. They can't get a job either. At the same time, about 500 students, who complete their A-levels do not start their degrees," he said.

President Muizzu stated that the lack of access to education and job opportunities has contributed to an increase in drug addiction and has increased the burden on the government, society and families.

He announced the recruitment of 5,000 young people for the armed forces and police services over the next four years as part of the Maldives National Service Programme. This recruitment will include approximately 4,000 personnel for military services and around 1,000 officers for the police service.

The President said that the National Service Programme of the Maldives will be supported by legislation and revealed that MVR 400 million would be allocated for New Policy Initiatives (NPI) in the budget for 2025.