Maldives Immigration has amended the regulations governing Maldivian passports to empower the Controller General of Immigration to waive travel document fees in specific circumstances and for specified periods.

The amendment, which takes effect today, adds a new provision to Article 12(a) of the regulations governing passport and travel document fees.

Previously, a MVR 250 fee was charged for temporary travel documents. Under the revised regulation, the Controller General may waive the fee in circumstances determined by Maldives Immigration and for periods specified by the authority.

The amendment comes as Immigration has begun extending the validity of expired passports amid delays in receiving new passport booklets.

Immigration also temporarily suspended the issuance of e-passports on 9 May due to difficulties in obtaining the booklets required for passport printing.