Maldives Launches First Overseas Passport and Identity Card Issuance Service in Malaysia

News

The Maldives has officially launched its first overseas passport and identity card issuance service in Malaysia, marking a significant milestone for the nation. This is the first time such services are being offered outside the Maldives.

The service was inaugurated by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu during his official visit to Malaysia. The event saw the formal handover of identity cards and passports to two recipients, conducted by the Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihsan.

This initiative is part of the government's effort to make essential services more accessible to Maldivians living abroad, particularly in Malaysia, where a significant number of Maldivians reside for work and educational purposes. The identity card, which is essential for accessing various services in the Maldives, is a key part of this effort.

In addition to the Malaysian launch, the service is expected to be rolled out soon in other countries with significant Maldivian populations, including Sri Lanka, India, and the United Kingdom. Furthermore, the Maldives government plans to make the passport and identity card issuance services available in all inhabited islands of the Maldives by the end of this year.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu is accompanied by a high-level delegation of cabinet members and government officials during this visit, which is undertaken at the invitation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia. The visit also aims to strengthen the long-standing bilateral ties between the two nations and to sign final memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in key areas of cooperation.

This new initiative underscores the Maldives' commitment to improving services for its citizens abroad and enhancing the efficiency of governmental processes for those living outside the nation.