Passport Services Expected to Normalize Sunday, 2,646 Applications Backlogged
8 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 14:21Minister Ihusaan has announced that passport services are expected to return to normal by next Sunday, following disruptions caused by a technical issue with the supplier. The Minister noted that it will take approximately five days to fully clear the existing backlog, during which priority will be given to individuals traveling for urgent medical treatment and educational purposes.
From the press conference held by Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan. | President's Office
Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan has stated that there is currently a backlog of approximately 2,646 passport applications, and that passport issuance services are expected to return to normal operations starting this Sunday.
Speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office on Thursday, Minister Ihusaan stated that the government was notified earlier this year of potential delays in passport issuance. He explained that these difficulties stem from technical issues at the printing facility of the company contracted to supply passports to the Maldives.
Ihsan stated that despite receiving this information, no prior measures were taken to control the situation as the company had provided continuous assurances. However, he noted that by August 27, it became certain that there would be difficulties in issuing passports. Consequently, measures were implemented to manage the remaining stock.
Since then, we have been issuing passports through a controlled mechanism, prioritizing Maldivian students studying abroad and citizens traveling for medical treatment, as well as those with urgent, upcoming travel dates.Ali Ihusaan
Ihusaan stated that the issues faced by the passport supplier have been resolved, and the new stock of passports is expected to arrive this weekend. He further noted that passport issuance services are expected to return to normal operations starting this Sunday.
Minister Ihusaan stated that there is currently a backlog of approximately 2,646 passport applications, noting that it will take about five days to clear these pending requests.
Ihusaan noted that the German company responsible for supplying passports has provided seamless service for the past 11 years without any issues. However, due to technical difficulties with the company's printing machinery, passport supplies have been constrained. Consequently, Maldives Immigration decided on August 28 that instead of issuing new booklets to individuals in the Maldives seeking renewals for expired passports, their current passports will have their validity extended until June 30, 2027.
However, Minister Ihusaan stated that this practice has been discontinued due to various challenges in its implementation.
