The Bank of Maldives (BML) has unequivocally refuted social media speculation suggesting the disclosure of sensitive customer data to Maldives Immigration, an allegation that surfaced following the implementation of new restrictions on foreign transactions utilising Maldivian Rufiyaa cards.
The institution moved to quash the rumours after identifying recurring instances of fraudulent activity in which third parties exploited the cards of residents within the Maldives to conduct unauthorised international purchases. To mitigate this vulnerability, the bank collaborated with Maldives Immigration to establish a geographical restriction, effectively disabling international card use for clients physically present within the country.
Mohamed Saeed, the spokesperson for the bank, clarified on the ‘Raajje Miadhu’ programme that while the transaction network is now interfaced with border control systems, the integration remains strictly operational. "This process does not mean that when an individual travels abroad, even if they are a Maldivian citizen, the bank receives details about their travel companions, flight itinerary, or similar logistical information," Saeed said, adding that the bank does not share card details or any other personal data with Maldives Immigration.
Under the revised protocol, the system adds a single metric to its automated verification: confirming whether the cardholder is officially recorded as being abroad. This location check functions without the exchange of biographical profiles, Saeed assured. To support students studying overseas, the bank has instituted a three-month grace period for parental cards, mandating that affected students eventually procure dedicated student cards.