Maldives to Launch Biometric Smart ID Cards Within 18 Months

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the Maldives will introduce a modern biometric "smart ID card" within the next 18 months. This initiative aims to consolidate financial transactions and access to a wide array of public services into a single, secure card. Speaking on the PSM News 'Nation Chat' podcast, President Muizzu explained that the new cards will feature built-in fingerprint authentication. This upgrade will allow citizens to access personal records and obtain government services more efficiently, moving beyond the capabilities of the current national identity system. The move is a cornerstone of the government's broader digital transformation agenda. Currently, the country's digital ID system is used by over 272,000 Maldivians aged 10 and above, accounting for approximately 80 percent of the eligible population. The administration intends to build on this momentum to ensure all government services are accessible online from any location in the archipelago. This digital shift is tied to a larger economic goal: increasing the digital economy's contribution to the national economic output to 15 percent by 2030. The President framed this transition as a vital step in transforming the Maldives into a fully developed nation. To ensure a secure rollout, the government has established three strategic priorities. These include implementing a modern digital identity system with robust personal data protections, creating a secure information-exchange platform for state institutions, and strengthening national cybersecurity defenses to thwart potential attacks. Additionally, the government plans to enhance the existing eFaas digital identity system. These improvements are expected to resolve current user grievances while providing a more stable and efficient digital interface for the public.