Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ubimaldives and Universal Basic Income
Understanding UBI
- What is UBI? UBI stands for Universal Basic Income. It’s a regular, unconditional cash payment from the government to all citizens.
- Why do you support UBI? We believe UBI provides a foundation of economic security, reduces poverty, and empowers individuals to contribute fully to society.
- Who will benefit? All Maldivian citizens residing in the Maldives would benefit from UBI.
- How does UBI differ from traditional welfare programs? UBI is unconditional, meaning there are no eligibility requirements or work mandates. This reduces administrative costs, eliminates stigma, and ensures everyone receives the basic support they need.
UBI and the Maldivian Economy
- How will UBI be financed? UBI can be financed through various means, including income tax, reducing wasteful expenditures, and other potential revenue sources. We advocate for a transparent and sustainable financing model.
- Will more taxes be introduced? The introduction of income tax has already been proposed, and further taxes may be needed to fully fund a UBI.
- Won’t UBI be too expensive? How can the Maldives afford it? The cost of UBI depends on the amount and program design. Ubimaldives is committed to researching and advocating for a financially sustainable model tailored to the Maldives’ economy. We recognize the importance of balancing the benefits of UBI with fiscal responsibility.
- Will prices of goods increase? Some short-term inflation may occur, particularly in areas with high demand and limited supply. However, UBI does not introduce new money into the economy, making significant long-term inflation unlikely.
Ubimaldives’ Approach
- Who are you? We are a non-profit NGO advocating for the implementation of UBI in the Maldives.
- What is your mission? Our mission is to raise awareness of UBI, conduct research, and advocate for policies that will make UBI a reality in the Maldives. We are committed to transparency and collaboration in all our work.
- What makes Ubimaldives different? We focus specifically on the Maldivian context, conducting research and engaging with policymakers to develop a UBI implementation strategy tailored to our nation.
- How does Ubimaldives address concerns about potential misuse of UBI funds? While some might worry about misuse, research suggests this concern is often overstated. Ubimaldives supports pairing UBI with programs that address underlying issues like addiction, providing resources and support for those who need it.
- How will Ubimaldives ensure that a UBI program is implemented fairly and reaches everyone who is entitled to it? We advocate for transparent processes, accountability mechanisms, and close collaboration with government agencies to ensure the efficient and corruption-free distribution of UBI funds.
- Does Ubimaldives collaborate with international UBI organizations? Yes, we maintain connections with the global UBI movement to exchange knowledge and best practices. We believe in learning from the experiences of others as we advocate for UBI in the Maldives.
Addressing Concerns and Building Support
- I’m worried UBI will discourage people from working. What does the research say? Studies on UBI consistently show that it does not lead to significant decreases in work participation. In fact, many people use UBI to retrain, start businesses, or take on caregiving roles, contributing to the economy in different ways.
- Some argue UBI will cause people to migrate to the Maldives. How would Ubimaldives address this concern? We recognize the importance of balanced UBI policies that include residency requirements and support sustainable communities.
- What about the specific needs of vulnerable groups? How does Ubimaldives ensure a UBI is equitable? We acknowledge a basic UBI may need supplementary support for those with disabilities or other specific needs. Our research and advocacy include a strong focus on designing an inclusive UBI system.
- How does Ubimaldives plan to address skepticism and build public support for UBI? We focus on education, evidence-based research, and collaborative dialogue with diverse stakeholders to foster constructive conversations about UBI.
Other Questions
- How can I join or support Ubimaldives? Please signup using the signup page which contains links to volunteering and donations, etc.
- Is Ubimaldives planning to become a political party? No, we are focused solely on UBI advocacy and will not form a political party.
- Will UBI help decongest Malé City? It’s possible. UBI may encourage some residents to relocate to other islands as basic needs become more easily met throughout the Maldives.
Contact Us
We welcome your questions and feedback! Contact us at [ubidhivehirajje@gmail.com]