Maldivian citizens residing in Sri Lanka can now access passport and national identity card services locally, following the official launch of the services at the High Commission of Maldives in Sri Lanka.
The services were inaugurated by President Mohamed Muizzu during his state visit to Sri Lanka. He was accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed.
Upon arrival at the High Commission, the President and First Lady were received by High Commissioner Masood Imad. The President signed the visitors’ book and met with staff before formally launching the services.
As part of the ceremony, President Muizzu handed over the first passport issued in Sri Lanka to a Maldivian citizen, marking the commencement of the service.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to expand access to essential documentation services for Maldivians living abroad. Sri Lanka becomes the second country to offer both passport and national ID card services overseas, following Malaysia, where similar services were first introduced.
Officials noted that the move is particularly significant given the sizeable Maldivian community in Sri Lanka, allowing citizens to obtain passports and ID cards without the need to travel back to the Maldives.
In addition to the High Commission visit, President Muizzu also toured Sosun Villa and the National Museum of Sri Lanka during his trip.
The expansion of overseas services comes alongside the government’s efforts to ensure that passport and ID card facilities are available across all atolls within the Maldives, improving accessibility for citizens both at home and abroad.
