Maldives Launches National ID Card Issuance In Sri Lanka

The Maldives has officially launched the issuance of national identity cards in Colombo, Sri Lanka, expanding access to essential government services for Maldivians living abroad.

The Department of National Registration has announced that the Maldivian High Commission in Sri Lanka will now print and issue national identity cards locally. The service was first introduced in November last year, and Sri Lanka has become the second country to offer Maldivian ID card services overseas, following Malaysia.

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The government is also preparing to extend the service to the United Kingdom as part of a broader effort to decentralise public services and improve access for Maldivians residing abroad.

Sri Lanka is home to a significant Maldivian community, and the introduction of local ID card issuance is expected to reduce the need for citizens to travel to Malé for basic documentation.

In addition, the government has completed the nationwide rollout of citizenship card and passport services across all atolls, achieving the target three months ahead of schedule.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has identified decentralisation as a key policy priority, with the aim of ensuring that citizens can access essential services without having to travel to the capital.