Passport renewal services has officially been launched in Villingili, Gaafu Alifu Atoll, marking a key move in the government’s push to decentralise essential citizen services across the Maldives.
The service was inaugurated at a special ceremony in Villingili by the President of the Gaafu Alifu Atoll Council, Ibrahim Shaheen. The event was attended by officials from Maldives Immigration, alongside employees of both the Atoll and the Villingili Island Council.
With the service now fully operational in Villingili, residents who submit passport applications online will be able to collect the finalised document directly from the island, significantly easing the administrative burden and travel requirements previously placed on island communities.
This expansion is a cornerstone of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s policy agenda, which prioritises the nationwide expansion of both national identity card and passport renewal services.
While Maldives Immigration had aimed to establish passport renewal services in all Atolls before the end of this year, President Dr Muizzu has stated his intention to accelerate the rollout, ensuring the service is available nationwide sooner than the initial target.