Government Tightens SIM Card Regulations to Combat Crime and Misuse

The Maldivian Cabinet has approved a series of stringent measures to tighten the issuance and regulation of mobile SIM cards across the country, aiming to curb illegal activities and enhance national security. In a move to address the misuse of telecommunications, the government will now take legal and administrative action against individuals whose registered SIM cards are found to be used by inmates within prisons. This measure is designed to close security gaps and prevent unauthorized communication from within correctional facilities. As part of a broader effort to strengthen oversight, the government is introducing new restrictions for unskilled foreign workers. Under the new guidelines, these workers will be limited to a single SIM card per person, preventing the proliferation of unregistered or multiple lines that can be exploited for fraudulent purposes. Furthermore, the process for replacing lost or damaged SIM cards has been significantly tightened. The Cabinet decided that replacement numbers will no longer be issued automatically; instead, users must now follow a specific protocol that includes filing an official report with the Maldives Police Service before a replacement is granted. Beyond telecommunications, the Cabinet also addressed judicial efficiency. The government has committed to implementing measures to reduce the number of individuals held in detention pending investigation or awaiting court verdicts, with the goal of making the Maldives a regional leader in minimizing pre-trial detention. These decisions reflect a concerted effort by the administration to integrate law enforcement and administrative oversight into the daily functioning of essential services, ensuring that technology is not used as a tool for bypassing legal frameworks.