BML partners with Immigration to introduce payment via passport card

Bank of Maldives has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Maldives Immigration to provide a payment function in the newly announced Maldivian passport cards.

The MoU was signed in a ceremony held at Maldives Immigration headquarters on Thursday morning by CEO of BML – Andrew Healy and Controller General of Immigration – Mohamed Anwar.

Speaking during the ceremony, Controller General of Immigration, Anwar said that introduction of the passport card was requested by Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom after the launch of e-passports back in January.

Anwar said that the payment facility was one of the many functions that can be performed using the card.

In addition to being an internationally accepted identity document, it will also be a reloadable pre-paid card which can be used to make payments at POS terminals, make online payments, and withdraw cash at ATMs.

The card can be used both locally and internationally – convenient for travelers.

Retail Banking Director of BML, Mohamed Shareef said that the bank had a keen interest in introducing new services in the country.

He said that the bank was pleased to partner with Immigration on the project.

“Our card services already provide countless travelers with a reliable and efficient way of making transactions when overseas. We are excited by the prospect of such an essential service being expanded to every Maldivian with a passport card,” said Shareef.

Information Officer of Immigration, Hassan Khaleel said that discussions would be held with service providers to expand the functions of the passport card.

“Information regarding additional functions of the card will be shared with media as agreements continue to be made,” said Khaleel.