President Mohamed Muizzu's pledge to expand the passport issuance service across the entire country is a sham, Adhadhu understands.
Some government officials and council officials told Adhadhu that the government claimed service had started, but that was not true.
“No passport has been printed in any island except Male',” an official said on condition of anonymity.
Some island councils where passport issuance services were started during Muizzu's visits said that passport printing is not being conducted in those islands.
"The island council also had to spend MVR 400,000 on the government's instructions to develop a special room and get some equipment. Although it was announced that passports would be printed in the island, it has not happened yet. Even now, passports are sent [from Male'] on days when there are flights," a council President said.
An immigration expert said passport issuance is not an ordinary task and the passport printing center should meet international standards.
"It can't be done in every island and everywhere. Leaving it like that is a threat to national security too," he said.
Passport applications can be submitted from islands and the passport can be collected from the council office under existing procedures.
Speaking during his visit to the islands, Muizzu said the introduction of passport issuance services would bring great satisfaction to the people.
“The ID card and passport service launched today will hopefully bring you great satisfaction,” he said in Haa Alif Ihavandhoo in January 2025.
The project to expand passport issuance service to the whole country was launched on November 16, 2024.
