Immigration fully digitalized, E-Visa implementation begins

The electronic visa (E-Visa) system, which was launched by Maldives Immigration on the 10th of this month, officially came into effect today.

Maldives Immigration announced on social media that, starting today, the presence of an E-Visa will be the sole indicator that an expatriate is authorized to reside in the Maldives. The authority specified that physical visas previously stamped in an individual's passport will no longer be considered valid proof of stay.

Maldives Immigration stated that the duration of an expatriate's E-Visa will be based on the validity period of their Work Permit.

The Immigration Department further confirmed that, from today, only individuals with a valid E-Visa will be granted permission to enter the Maldives, and similarly, an E-Visa will be required for departure from the country.

The post by Immigration also mentioned that individuals coming to the Maldives to work, who have newly received a Work Permit, will require an Entry Pass issued by the Ministry of Homeland Security to enter the country.

The E-Visa service was inaugurated by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu at a ceremony held at Barcélo Nasandhura on the 10th of this month.

At the launch ceremony for the digitalization of Immigration services, Controller General Ahmed Faseeh announced that the new online services will significantly improve operations for both the public and the Immigration service. He highlighted that these services will simplify the resolution of issues related to undocumented expatriates in the Maldives and introduced the E-Visa system as a permanent solution to previous difficulties with physically stamping visas in passports.