Maldives Immigration has introduced the Universal Automatic Identification Systems (UAIS) to monitor marine vessels around Malé Port. The system is already in use and allows real-time tracking of vessels within 30 nautical miles of the area.
This new system reduces the workload for Immigration officers and makes it easier to identify and monitor incoming vessels without having to rely on other agencies.
Before the UAIS was implemented, Immigration had to request vessel information through agencies like Maldives Ports Limited or Customs. They needed estimated arrival times to prepare officers for receiving incoming ships.
Now, with UAIS in place, Immigration can directly see if a vessel has departed, its current location, and how close it is to Maldivian waters. This direct access helps them prepare and respond more efficiently.
UAIS is a widely used system at international ports, designed to improve maritime safety and streamline port operations. It tracks the path of vessels entering and leaving national waters, giving authorities better control and visibility over ship traffic.
Immigration believes this is a step forward in building their capacity and ensuring smoother operations around Maldivian ports.