IOM, Japan Support Maldives in Strengthening Border Health Security and Safe Mobility

 
Malé, December 9, 2025 – The Maldives has taken a significant step toward reinforcing its border health security and operational resilience, marking the successful conclusion of the Government of Japan-funded project Strengthening Capacity of Border Control for Responding to Infectious Diseases in Southwest Asia. Implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), this initiative reflects a shared commitment to pandemic preparedness, safe mobility and sustainable connectivity.
 
The project, valued at USD 8.4 million, introduced a range of measures to enhance health security and border management at Maldives’ key Points of Entry, including Velana International Airport and Gan International Airport. These improvements ensure that border systems are able to continue facilitating travel even during health-related crises.The handover ceremony, held on 9 December 2025 was attended by senior representatives from the Government of Maldives, Embassy of Japan, Maldives Airport Company Limited (MACL), and key border agencies including Maldives Immigration, Maldives Customs Service, Ministry of Health and the Health Protection Agency. Among the distinguished guests were the Controller General of Maldives Immigration CP (Retd.) Ahmed Faseeh, the Ambassador of Japan to Maldives, H.E. Ishigami Rumiko; and IOM Chief of Mission in Sri Lanka and the Maldives Kristin Parco.
 
Over the past three years, this project has delivered transformative improvements at Maldives’ Points of Entry, modernizing systems, enhancing health security, and elevating the passenger experience. From streamlined biometric access and advanced identity verification to upgraded health service points and strengthened operational procedures, these enhancements position Velana International Airport and Gan International Airport as a safer, more efficient and globally competitive gateway.
 
Reflecting on these advancements, Controller General of Maldives Immigration CP (Retd.) Ahmed Faseeh noted: “We are proud to complete this project, which strengthens border security and public health readiness. I thank the Government of Japan and IOM for their steadfast support as we build a smart and secure border system for a safer future in the Maldives.”
Ambassador Ishigami, referring to the significance of the project in a broader perspective said: “Today’s handover marks a proud milestone in the multilateral partnership between Japan, the Maldives, and IOM as we work together on our shared commitment to safer and more resilient borders.”
 
As part of the project, and with support from the Government of Japan, IOM officially handed over a comprehensive package of advanced border health security and management solutions to the Maldives. This included upgraded health service points at Velana International Airport and Gan International Airport, equipped with essential medical devices and two fully equipped ambulances to ensure rapid health response capacity.
 
An X-ray body scanner was provided to the Maldives Customs Service to enable contactless passenger screening and swift detection of concealed or dangerous items. The security of restricted areas within the Velana International Airport was significantly enhanced with the installation of biometric access control systems , which also enabled the reduction of  physical contact with surfaces such as access cards and manual check-in counters. The operational effectiveness of the Health Protection Agency was supported by the donation of a double cab.
Three new Verifier TD&B workstations were deployed  to Maldives Immigration to reinforce identity verification and document authentication. VerifierTD&B is a secondary inspection system developed by IOM that performs machine assisted document inspection and identity verification to address the risk of migrant smuggling and human trafficking facilitated by document and identity frauds.
 
These improvements bring direct benefits to both travelers and frontline agencies. For passengers, faster screening and upgraded health points mean shorter queues, safer contactless processing, and greater confidence in Maldives as a secure travel destination. For border and health authorities, modern screening systems, enhanced verification tools, and strengthened emergency response capacity improve detection, reduce manual workload, and enable quicker, more coordinated action during routine operations and health events. Together, these advancements create more efficient, resilient, and future-ready Points of Entry.
 
Together, these measures significantly enhance Maldives’ capacity to protect public health, secure borders, and deliver a safer, more efficient travel experience for all. Kristin Parco, IOM Chief of Mission in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, highlighted the broader impact and stated, “Strong border management is more than a matter of security; it is a fundamental pillar of public health. Our borders are the gateways through which people, goods, and information flow. In times of global health emergencies, such as infectious disease outbreaks, resilient border systems become our first line of defense. They protect communities, safeguard economies, and enable nations to remain open and connected while minimizing risk.” She reiterated her gratitude and noted, “Allow me once again express my deepest appreciation to the Government and the people of Japan for their generous support, unwavering cooperation, and for the trust placed in the International Organization for Migration to deliver this assistance to the people of Maldives.”
 
Passengers traveling through Maldives will soon benefit from safer, more seamless experiences at the border, thanks to the collective efforts of our partners and stakeholders. These advancements reflect not only technological progress but also the strength of collaboration between the Government of Maldives, the Government of Japan, and IOM. Together, we are building a future-ready border system, one that protects health, enables connectivity, and positions Maldives as a trusted and welcoming gateway for travellers.