The Department of National Registration (DNR) has decided to launch a new portal that will allow island residents to submit requests for identity cards through their respective island councils. Preparations for the portal are nearing completion, with plans to go live by July 18.
Deputy Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ahmed Aly, spoke to PSM News about the initiative. He explained that before the COVID-19 pandemic, island councils assisted in submitting ID card requests. However, this service has been discontinued. Although the previous government moved the ID card application and renewal process online, the councils showed little interest in assisting, leading to challenges for residents in obtaining or renewing their ID cards.
To address this issue, Deputy Minister Aly announced the creation of the online platform aimed at streamlining the ID card issuance process for residents. The portal is scheduled to be operational by July 18. Additionally, a special training program for all island councils will be held on July 19 and 20 to ensure familiarity with the new system.
Aly highlighted the difficulties faced when the previous administration left the DNR solely responsible for issuing ID cards, resulting in over 3,000 ID cards pending issuance when the current administration took office. These ID cards have since been issued. Currently, ID cards are being issued upon request through DNR's website.
This new portal aims to improve the efficiency and accessibility of ID card services for island residents, leveraging local council support to facilitate the process.