Minister of Higher Education Dr. Ali Haidhar Ahmed says only 40 percent of students studying abroad are regularly making their loan repayments to the government.
According to the latest figures released by the Higher Education Ministry, a total of MVR 157.1 million has been disbursed to 1,810 students as of last month.
Out of these students, 157 have completed their courses.
Speaking at the Parliament today, the Minister said most students do not repay their loans and 40 percent of the students are repaying their loans regularly.
He added that discussions are now underway to recover the money.
When asked by some members about the delay in the work of the ministry, the minister said the work was being delayed due to the lack of staff but assured that they are working with specific targets in mind.
The minister had earlier said that the ministry is working to respond to letters and emails within a maximum of seven days and that the deadline will be reduced to three days.
Some employees working in other government agencies should be brought in to expedite the works, he said.
At the same time, the minister said that a portal and a call center are being set up to expedite the services provided to students.
