Discussions underway regarding manual extension of existing passports and implementation of issuance controls as current stock levels continue to deplete

Information has been received that authorities are preparing to implement manual extensions for passports, as the current stock of passport booklets in the Maldives is nearing depletion.

A reliable source has informed RaajjeMV that a new stock of passports is not expected to arrive until next year. The source further noted that, currently, 48-page electronic passports are only being issued to individuals specifically authorized by the Controller General. Additionally, the source revealed that the existing stock of non-electronic passports is also nearing total depletion.

Furthermore, an official from the Passport Division has confirmed that a decision has been made to manually extend the validity of existing passports by adding notations to the observation page. The official added that discussions are also underway to implement a policy where new passports will only be issued to individuals who obtain specific approval from the Controller General.

According to the official, travelers using passports with manually extended validity periods noted on the observation page are likely to encounter various difficulties and complications when traveling abroad.

When contacted regarding the matter, an Immigration media official stated that no such decision has been made and noted that a new shipment of passport stock is expected by the end of this month. However, the official did not provide a direct response when questioned about whether discussions had taken place regarding potential measures to control the issuance of new passports or the manual extension of existing ones due to dwindling supplies.