The government’s ongoing campaign to decentralise essential public services reached a new milestone on Saturday with the official launch of national identity card printing and issuance in Hanimaadhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
Hanimaadhoo has become the 34th island nationwide to receive this critical service, marking significant progress in the government's policy commitment to make identification documentation readily available to all citizens.
The decentralised issuance of ID cards is a cornerstone policy of the current administration, aiming to establish the services in every Atoll across the archipelago. Under this initiative, the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology confirmed that the service is now operational in Hanimaadhoo, promising a quick and effiencient processing mechanism for local residents who previously had to travel long distances to the capital Male’.
The launch in Hanimaadhoo demonstrates the speed of governmental commitment as it follows the visit by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in August, with ID card service successfully established in the island within a rapid 39-day timeframe. Since the decentralised programme was initiated in November last year, the service has expanded considerably, now operating in 34 islands scattered across 20 Atolls.
The Ministry reaffirmed its ambitious goal to ensure the ID card service is accessible in all islands by the close of this year. Additionally, in an unprecedented move to accommodate the widest possible access, the government is also planning to launch the service in countries where Maldivians frequently travel.