The Maldives on Monday launched the issuance of e-passport and national identity cards in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur.
The services were launched by visiting Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during a meeting with the Maldivian community residing in Malaysia.
During this meeting, Home Minister Ali Ihusan presented the first Maldivian e-passport and ID card printed in Malaysia to their owners.
Home Minister Ali Ihusan (R) presents the first Maldivian e-passport printed in Malaysia on April 28, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)
The launch of passport and ID card services in Malaysia marks the first time for the services to be expanded beyond the Maldives, aimed at making the services more accessible to Maldivians who reside overseas.
The services are now available from the Maldivian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu meets with the Maldivian community in Malaysia on April 28, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)
Malaysia is home to one of the largest Maldivian diasporas.
Addressing the Maldivian community in Malaysia, President Muizzu called on Maldivian families to foster a strong sense of community among themselves, while living far away from the Maldives.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu addresses the Maldivian community in Malaysia on April 28, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)
He also appealed to Maldivian students to adhere to the tenets of Islam and to hold steadfast to Maldivian values.
In addition to launching e-passport and ID card services, President Muizzu also inaugurated the Maldivian Students Association - Malaysia.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu meets with the Maldivian community in Malaysia on April 28, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)
He announced that starting next year, the government would fund deposit USD 3,000 in Malaysian ringgits to the Student Association to facilitate additional services to the Maldivian students.
He also pledged to further expand consular services.
President Muizzu, accompanied by a high-level delegation of cabinet ministers and senior government officials, embarked on a four-day official visit to Malaysia on Sunday. The visit comes at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu meets with the Maldivian community in Malaysia on April 28, 2025. (Photo/President's Office)
Earlier on Monday, President Muizzu and PM Anwar led official talks between the two countries, and witnessed the signing of four agreements, agreeing to boost cooperation on areas such as tourism, sports, health and bilateral cooperation.
He also attended a Maldives-Malaysia Business Forum, during which he invited Malaysian businesses to seize new opportunities in the Maldives, highlighting a vision for a stronger, more inclusive, and future-ready nation.