Passport issuance services have officially commenced in Baa Dharavandhoo, allowing residents of the atoll to access passport services closer to home. 

Maldives Immigration said applicants can now submit passport applications through the IMUGA portal and select either Dharavandhoo or Eydhafushi as their collection point.

The new service forms part of the Government's efforts to expand passport services to all atolls and reduce the need for residents to travel to Malé to obtain travel documents. Immigration stated that the initiative is expected to make the process of obtaining passports faster and more convenient for people living in the atolls.

The Government has already completed the rollout of national identity card printing and issuance services in all atolls under a presidential pledge, achieving the target ahead of schedule. Efforts to expand passport services have continued through the establishment of Atoll Immigration Offices across the country, including the office opened in Eydhafushi last August.

The expansion of passport services is part of the initiative to improve access to essential Government services nationwide and make public services more accessible to residents outside the capital.