Maldives Immigration Authority Implements Reforms in Passport Regulations
Photo: Maldives Immigration
The Maldives Immigration Authority (MIA) has recently implemented significant amendments to its passport renewal regulations, aiming to streamline the process for travelers facing issues related to lost or damaged passports.
ޕާސްޕޯޓުގެ ގަވާއިދަށް ގެނެވުނު ބައެއް ބަދަލުތައް.
އިތުރު ތަފްސީލު: https://t.co/bdEBkUiZDW#DhivehiPassport #MaldivesImmigration pic.twitter.com/a1iX2ky4iD— Maldives Immigration (@ImmigrationMV) October 16, 2023advertisement
These revisions bring notable relief to individuals by simplifying penalties and cancellation fees, thereby enhancing the overall passport renewal experience.
One of the changes involves the maximum penalty for the loss or damage of a passport, irrespective of its type, which has been capped at MVR 2,000. Notably, the penalty for the loss of an expired passport has been entirely waived, obviating the need for a police report in such cases.
Moreover, individuals possessing passports less than one year old will benefit from the new regulations, as they can now renew their passports without incurring any additional cancellation fees. This shift in passport regulations represents a departure from previous rules, where fines of up to MVR 20,000 were applicable in cases of lost or damaged passports.
Under the prior regulations, a police report was mandatory when reporting a lost passport, leading to concerns among citizens and visitors about the hefty financial penalties imposed.
