Passport and ID card issuance services introduced in Ungoofaaru

Issuance of national identity cards and passports have been introduced in Raa atoll Ungoofaaru, the administrative capital of the atoll.

The service was inaugurated by Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan, who is accompanying President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on his ongoing official visit to Raa atoll.

Places besides capital Male' where passport services are currently available are Hulhumale' Phase 1, Hulhumale' Phase 2, Vilimale', Laamu atoll Fonadhoo and Dhaalu atoll KudaHuvadhoo. ID card issuance services are available in Male', Hulhumale' Phase 1, Hulhumale' Phase 2, Vilimale' and Haa Dhaalu atoll Kulhudhuhfushi.

The government has previously said that the services will be made more widely available across the country. In November last year, the government published a road map on how the services will be rolled out to the rest of the country.

Minister Ihusan has previously said that the biggest challenge faced in rolling out the service is establishing a system to ensure confidentiality as per international standards for secure documents such as passports and ID cards. He, however, expressed confidence that this can be achieved.

Ungoofaaru council also signed an agreement with the Maldives Islamic Bank yesterday for the establishment of a sales centre and ATM at the island.

Bank of Maldives services are already available in the island.