Gov’t confirms nationwide ID and passport expansion to be completed by 2025

Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihsan, has announced that the nationwide project to expand the delivery of national identity cards and passports will be completed by the end of next year. He made this statement during the inauguration of the project. Minister Ihsan emphasized that the decentralization of ID card and passport services fulfils a key promise made by President Mohamed Muizzu. He described today as a “golden day” in Maldivian history, marking a significant step forward in the country’s administrative reforms. The minister further clarified that atolls will be responsible solely for the printing of ID cards, ensuring the protection of sensitive personal information. “The Department of National Registration (DNR) will process applications from across the country, and when it comes to printing, only authorized ID cards will be produced in the provinces. This guarantees that no unauthorized cards are printed, and all personal data remains secure,” Minister Ihsan stated. He also highlighted that the initiative aligns with the President’s vision of modernizing public services through technology. In 2021, the Maldives launched its first online ID card application portal, which was replaced in March 2023 by the Department of National Registration’s (DNR) official platform, allowing citizens to apply remotely. However, the digital system posed challenges for the elderly. To address this, the administration launched the Naares portal, strengthening ties with local councils. This portal streamlines ID card processing, enabling citizens to track applications and allowing island councils to issue ID cards.