The Spokesperson at the President's Office Miuvaan Mohamed has said that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration has strengthened relations with many countries and aims to make the Maldivian passport one of the most powerful passports in the world.
Speaking at a press conference, Miuvaan said the relationship between the international community and the Maldives has increased during the term of President Solih. He also said that the Maldivian passport has become the most powerful passport in the region and is heading towards becoming the most powerful passport in the world with the strengthening of relations and the facilitation of travel with different countries.
Additionally, Miuvaan said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been making efforts to ensure that Maldivians can travel to as many countries as possible without any additional visas. He stated that the Maldives signed visa agreements with 94 countries as part of its efforts to establish foreign relations. He said all but 13 of these countries have been made easily accessible to Maldivians without obtaining an immediate visa and entry to the remaining 13 countries will be available with e-visas. He added that the government has facilitated travel to 11 countries without obtaining visas.
The list of the world's most powerful passports is published by the Henley Passport Index. The strength of a passport is determined by the number of countries that do not require a visa with the passport. As such, the Maldives was ranked 58th in the world rankings this year, an increase of six places compared to last year.