Maldives Immigration has stated that the number of passports reported lost is increasing, with more than 500 reported lost so far this year.
Speaking to PSM News, Immigration Officer Mifthah Mohamed said more Maldivians travel abroad every year, which has also resulted in more passport applications to process. He detailed that 56,326 individuals applied for passports in 2022, which is around 4,700 passports per month, adding that as of June this year, 32,500 passports have been issued, which is around 5,500 passports per month.
Additionally, Mifthah said the number of applications for passports is increasing every year. He, however, said that there are delays in issuing passports as many people apply for passports during the holidays. As such, he said that the digitalised system at Immigration has made it easier to apply for passports and the passport issuance hours have been extended until 2100hrs.
Furthermore, Mifthah noted that the number of passports reported lost is increasing. He said that 800 passports were reported lost in 2022. He also said that 500 passports have been reported lost as of June this year, adding that the number of lost passports could further increase this year.
According to the Henley Passport Index, Maldivian passport has become the most powerful passport in the region and is heading towards becoming the most powerful passport in the world. The mobility score of the Maldivian passport is more than 90 countries. In the last five years, Maldivians have been able to travel to more than 20 countries without obtaining visas in advance.