The Maldives Immigration has announced revisions to passport regulations, amending the fine for the renewal of lost passports at a maximum of USD130.
Previously, penalties ranging from USD324-1,300 were enforced for lost passport, with USD324 for the first incident, USD648 for the second, and USD1,300 for the third. However, the Immigration has now amended the Maldivian passport regulations to lower the fine amount.
Under the amended regulations, a maximum fine of USD130 will be issued if a police report shows that the passport loss occurred without negligence. It states that no penalty will be imposed if the lost passport is expired, and an application can be submitted for a new passport without a police report. It also provides individuals the ability to use their passports for emergency overseas travel, even if there are outstanding fines.
Additionally, the amendment specifies a USD130 fine for providing false information, altering, or copying a valid document in the passport application. It also allows for the option to withhold passport renewal services, imposing a USD130 fine if the applicant engages in actions contrary to public interest during the passport issuance service.
Furthermore, the amendment underscores the responsibility of parents or legal guardians for maintaining passports of individuals under 18, those with long-term physical disabilities, mental disabilities, or sensory or mental impairments. It also outlined the changes to circumstances under which multiple passports can be issued to an individual.
According to the government, statistics showed that between 2018-2022, a total of 2,548 individuals applied for passports, with 519 reporting a lost passport as of June this year.