National ID Card issuance launched in Hulhumale’ and Villimale’

Printing and issuance of national identity cards has been launched in Hulhumale’ and Villimale. As part of a project to streamline the process and make it more accessible to citizens across the country, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated project on 16 November. The initiative aims to provide ID card and passport services without hassle, directly from residents’ localities. The ID card printing and issuance services are now operational in three locations: Hulhumale’ Phase 1: Umar Zahir Building, Ground Floor, Hulhumale’ Phase 2: Vinares Tower 2, First Floor and Villimale’: E Block, Ground Floor. In addition to these new service points, 174 collection centres have been established across various islands to ensure nationwide coverage. The ID card service was initially launched online in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, the system was upgraded with the introduction of the DNR online portal, allowing users to request ID cards digitally. Once printed, the cards are delivered to the respective island councils for distribution. The government has set an ambitious target to extend the ID card issuance service to all inhabited islands by next year.