Maldivian traveler’s family member’s BML card seized during overseas trip!

A controversy has emerged at Velana International Airport after Maldives Customs Service seized a Bank of Maldives (BML) card belonging to a family member from a Maldivian traveler departing the country.

The incident involved a traveler who arrived at the airport on Thursday night for a flight to Singapore.

Expressing concern over the matter, the individual informed RaajjeMV that Customs had confiscated a Bank of Maldives (BML) card belonging to his sister that was in his possession. He further noted that Customs officers claimed the action was taken following instructions from BML to seize cards being carried by anyone other than the registered cardholder.

He also expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the Customs officials during the incident. According to him, Customs claimed they were acting on a request from the Bank of Maldives (BML) to conduct random checks on cards held by passengers departing the country.

He explained that after Customs contacted the bank’s airport branch, bank staff arrived and confiscated his sister’s card. According to his account, the employees informed them that the card would not be returned and would instead be canceled.

However, he expressed concern, noting that this is not the standard procedure for such trips. He further stated that under current regulations, one cannot use another person's card abroad, adding that he finds the requirement to act in this manner incomprehensible.

Furthermore, he explained that when his sister contacted BML Customer Service regarding the matter, the bank maintained that the card could not be retrieved and informed her that she would have to apply for a new one.

When contacted for a comment regarding the matter, Bank of Maldives (BML) stated that since bank cards remain the legal property of the issuing institution, they must be returned upon request. The bank further clarified that as these cards are issued strictly for the personal use of the cardholder, any cards seized by Customs while being illegally transported out of the country are routinely handed back over to the respective banks.

Bank of Maldives (BML) stated that once such matters are brought to its attention, the bank will review and investigate the relevant accounts and take necessary action in accordance with its established policies.

Bank of Maldives (BML) has urged customers to refrain from sharing card details, PINs, or any security-related information with third parties, including family members, and advised against handing over cards to others.

The bank further stated that the cardholder shall bear full responsibility for the security of their card and for all transactions conducted using it.