The Maldives has introduced its first overseas issuance service for national identity cards and e-passports, officially launching the new facility at the High Commission of the Maldives in Malaysia. The inauguration took place on 28 April 2025 during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s official visit to Malaysia, highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing services for Maldivians living abroad.

President Dr Muizzu inaugurated the new services during a meeting with the Maldivian community residing in Malaysia. Following the inauguration, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan, formally handed over the first printed Maldivian e-passport and identity card to two Maldivian recipients, symbolizing the commencement of operations.

Malaysia holds special importance as the first international location for this initiative, given the sizeable number of Maldivians residing there for work, education, and family purposes. The government has prioritized making key services more accessible to the Maldivian diaspora, significantly easing the process for citizens who previously needed to travel back to the Maldives for essential documents.

Speaking to the attendees, President Dr Muizzu highlighted that the new services would bring greater convenience to Maldivian families and students living abroad, reinforcing the government’s responsibility to treat all citizens equally, regardless of where they reside. He reiterated that providing such services abroad is part of the government’s broader vision to support Maldivians globally.
The launch in Malaysia marks the beginning of a wider rollout, with plans underway to expand ID card and e-passport issuance services to Sri Lanka, India, and the United Kingdom. Domestically, the government aims to make these services available across all inhabited islands in the Maldives by the end of this year.
In addition to the service inauguration, the event also saw the establishment of the Maldivian Students’ Association in Malaysia. Minister of Higher Education, Dr Ali Haidar, presented the official certificate recognizing the association. President Dr Muizzu affirmed the government’s full support for the new association, announcing an annual contribution of USD 3,000 in Malaysian ringgits to assist in its activities and promote unity among Maldivian students.

The event was attended by a high-level Maldivian delegation, including Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, Minister of Finance and Planning Moosa Zameer, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed, Minister of Education Dr. Ismail Shafeeu, Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed, Attorney General Utz. Ahmed Usham, and Former President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan along with Madam Ilham Hussain. A large number of Maldivian families and students also participated, reflecting the strong sense of community among Maldivians living in Malaysia.
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