Smart ID Cards with Payment Functions to Be Introduced Within 18 Months

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the Maldives will introduce smart identity cards within the next one and a half years, with the cards designed to enable payments and provide access to government services.

Speaking on state media programme Nation Chat on Thursday night, President Muizzu said the smart ID card would form a key part of the government’s digital transformation programme under its “Maldives 2.0” vision.

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The President said the government aims to increase the contribution of the digital economy to 15 per cent of the Maldives’ gross domestic product by 2030.

Under the initiative, government institutions and other sectors will be digitised, while a bill establishing the legal framework for the smart ID system has already been submitted to the People’s Majlis, according to President Muizzu.

He said all state institutions, state-owned enterprises and banks would be required to participate in the programme.

The smart ID card will contain biometric information, including fingerprints, as well as a microchip. The President said the card would be used not only for identification but also to make payments, maintain personal records and access services from different institutions.

The President said the initiative is intended to reduce corruption and make public services more transparent and convenient. He added that the government wants citizens to be able to access all state services from any island.

The government launched Maldives 2.0 on May 9, 2025, as a three-year programme aimed at implementing its digital transformation policy through cooperation among state institutions.

The programme is intended to drive changes in the country’s digital sector and expand the delivery of government services through digital systems.