Maldives Immigration Eases Lost Passport Reissuance Penalties

In a recent development, the Maldives Passport Regulations have undergone amendments to alleviate the penalties associated with reissuing lost passports. Previously, individuals faced fines ranging from MVR 5,000 to MVR 20,000 for passport reissuance. However, the revised regulations, officially announced this Wednesday, cap the penalty at MVR 2,000, offering significant relief to those in need of a new passport.
Notably, if the lost passport has expired, no fines will be imposed for issuing a new one. Additionally, the amendment now allows for the issuance of a temporary travel document in emergency situations where immediate payment of fines is not feasible.
Furthermore, the updated regulations emphasize the responsibility of parents, legal guardians, and caregivers in maintaining passports for children, physically and mentally disabled individuals. The rules also provide clear procedures for cases involving canceled passports.
According to Immigration reports, out of 32,500 passports issued by the end of June this year, 500 were reported lost. This amendment comes as a positive step toward streamlining passport reissuance processes for the citizens of the Maldives.