Following President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's decision to designate R. Ungulu as a part of R. Ungoofaaru, the island's council has determined that only Ungoofaaru residents, those married to Ungoofaaru residents, and their children are permitted to enter and leave the island.
In an announcement, the Ungoofaaru Council stated that since Ungulu has been established as part of the council's jurisdiction by presidential decree, specific regulations will govern entry and exit until a permanent set of rules is finalized.
Six key points were highlighted in these regulations.
Ungoofaaru Council stated that permission to enter Ungulu will only be granted to those who complete the Google Form published by the council. The deadline for completing the Google Form is before 12:00 PM every Thursday.
The announcement noted that permission to enter and leave Ungulu will be granted to Ungoofaaru residents, those residing in Ungoofaaru who are married to a resident of the island, and their children.
The council also stated that legal action will be taken against those who enter or leave the island in violation of this notice.
"Therefore, we publicly announce and notify that it is prohibited for any party to enter or leave R. Ungulu without official permission from this council. Furthermore, we inform for public knowledge that this council will take all necessary actions within the established legal frameworks against those who violate this notice," the announcement read.
Upon requesting permission, they will be given the opportunity to enter Ungulu anytime between 7:30 AM and 5:00 PM every Saturday.
The council stated that for every four coconuts gathered from the island, one coconut must be given to the council. Coconuts received by the council are set to be sold at MVR 5 each if purchased from Ungulu, and MVR 7 each if purchased from Ungoofaaru.
The council mentioned that apart from those items, those who gather kullhavah (mangrove apples), fann (palm fronds), and sea almond seeds will be allowed to keep them.
It was stated that climbing trees, cutting down trees, and using long poles to harvest from coconut palms are prohibited. Additionally, an appeal was made to be mindful of maintaining the island's cleanliness.
