 Any rights they seemed to have enjoyed under the absolute rule of the Sultans were extinguished by default.In 1968, due to heavy erosion of the island and as a result, reduction of the community to a few members, they were forced to abandon their island under an Islamic regulation that did not recognise communities with less than 40 adult males, which was the minimum required for the regular performance of Friday prayers.The Giraavaru people were ferried across the atoll lagoon to Hulhulé Island and resettled there.