Department of National Registration (DNR) has announced the decision to redesign the national identification card of the Maldives.
On June 27, DNR issued an announcement seeking parties to redesign the national identification card as a smart card with modern security features. DNR stated a designer will be selected for the project based on their technical capabilities and the initial concept proposed. DNR also stated the best conceptual design will receive a prize of USD13,000.
DNR stated proposals will be accepted until 1400hrs on July 21. DNR stated selection of the three best proposals, the preparation of the detailed design by the shortlisted parties and the selection of the best design will take place during August.
Last month, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology Aminath Shauna announced preparations to launch digital identification cards are nearing completion, noting authorities are currently working on data entry. The minister said the introduction of digital identification cards will enable the improvement of digital services provided by state institutions and authorities. She added individuals who wish to hold printed identification cards can still do so, even after the introduction of digital cards.
Establishing and adopting a National Digital Identification System is carried out under the administration's National Resilience and Recovery Plan (NRR) 2020-2022. The system will be developed and maintained by the National Centre for Information Technology (NCIT) and the DNR.