Maldives Immigration has resumed issuing new passports after a delay caused by a shortage of booklets and is working to clear a backlog of more than 2,000 applications.
A spokesperson said issuance restarted at the beginning of the week once the new stock arrived. Priority was given to applicants with urgent travel needs. Officers are working overtime, and the agency expects the backlog to be substantially reduced by the end of the week.
During the suspension, Immigration extended the validity of expired passports and issued emergency documents for short-term travel. The interruption created inconvenience for residents planning overseas trips.
Passport services are now expected to return to more normal processing times. The agency has previously expanded services to some islands and continues efforts to improve accessibility.