Digital passport system nears completion

The government is moving closer to launching an online passport service as part of a broader effort to digitise public services.
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali said on Wednesday that key components of the system, including arrangements for biometric processing, are being finalised.
“There are a number of things that have to be completed… they are now completing that relationship, and within a month, we should be closer to that,” he said.
The initiative is part of a wider national digital transformation drive aimed at improving efficiency and accessibility for citizens at home and abroad.
Ali said the online passport system will be integrated with other platforms, including the national payment system and emerging e-wallet services.
He added that the country is rapidly modernising its digital infrastructure, with improvements already made in areas such as immigration processing and online government services.
“We are moving at great speed with the digitisation,” Ali said, noting positive public feedback on existing platforms.
The rollout is expected to reduce processing times and improve convenience, particularly for citizens living overseas. (DPI)