Maldives’ new multi-purpose ID card also a passport

By P.K. Balachandran

The new multi-purpose Maldives ID card released by President Abdulla Yameen in Male on Wednesday is unique and the first of its kind in the South Asian region. It is a truly multi-purpose card, to the extent of being the holder’s passport as well.

Touted as the world’s most advanced ID card, it is virtually everything rolled into one – a payment card (linked to Mastercard), a driving license, an insurance card, and a health card, besides being a passport catering to all international requirements, its designers, Dermalog of Germany, said in a release.

It is the Maldivian Department of Immigration which has introduced this card, aptly designated as the ‘Passport Card’. Citizens of the Maldives do not need to carry many cards around anymore,” Dermalog said.

The new card is certified by the Bank of Maldives as well as by Mastercard, allowing it to be used internationally like any other Mastercard. 

It is also long-lasting. “Today, most ID cards have a durability of maximum of three years. But  the new card of the Maldives is the world’s first bank card made of polycarbonate material that can last up to 10 years,” Dermalog said.

Furthermore, it contains a unique dual-interface chip for contactless and contact card reading.

“What makes the new card more secure than any other payment card is the inclusion of additional passport security features, which no other bank card provides. It contains 10 fingerprints for secure verification,” said Dermalog CEO Gunther Mull.

The ‘Passport Card’ is already working at all borders of the Maldives, including the new electronic gates.

“We are very proud about this very innovative and secure biometric card,” said Mull.

Maldives Immigration Controller General Mohamed Anwar said that the door was now open for other Government departments and private companies to use the new card.