Co-Task Team Leaders from the World Bank, Mr. Jerome Bezzina (Sr. Digital Development Specialist Ms. Anna Metz (Senior Digital Development Specialist) from the World Bank met with the Department of National Registration (DNR), represented by Mr. Mohamed Umair (Director), Ismail Muizzu Nizam (Computer Programmer), and Ahmed Absal Mohamed (Computer Programmer). Dr. Ibrahim Waheed (Project Manager), along with Ahmed Haleem (Communications Specialist) and Ms. Fathimath Shafa Hussain (Project Officer), joined from the D’MADD PMU.

The goal of the meeting was to check in on the progress of the activities supported by the project for DNR. The mission inquired about penetration testing and vulnerability assessment, as well as the system requirements specifications for the improved CRVSID system. The mission team also compared the current achievements with the result framework. The team also emphasised the importance of expediting the work as the project period draws closer.

The team then discussed the DNR's position on the physical ID card, as there had been a shift in the government's stance to reintroduce an electronic smart identification card. It was reiterated that the project would not invest in such a card. Dr. Waheed also added that the cost of introducing such a card will be high. However, the DNR needs to provide clarity on government policies so that the project can move forward in a mutually agreeable direction, he added. He also highlighted that printing stations for the current card are being established across more than 15 locations, further increasing the cost of new specialised hardware to produce electronic smart ID cards.

Regarding the penetration testing and vulnerability assessment, the DNR was delighted with the service. The activity provided insight into the status of the DNR IT infrastructure. The final report is currently being used to obtain the necessary equipment, services, and software to strengthen the cybersecurity resilience of the DNR.

DNR also reported that the first round of activities on the redesign of the Maldives CRVSID was completed. The D’MADD PMU facilitated the first mission for the consultants’ team with relevant stakeholders and concluded with a combined stakeholder engagement workshop involving additional organizations.

The mission team also discussed that many of the planned procurements for hardware can only proceed upon the submission of the Data Privacy Bill. According to the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, the current version of the Personal Data Protection Act has been submitted to the Attorney General’s Office. As the ministry stated that it expects the data protection law to be submitted soon, it was advised to plan activities for the next six months to a year.

The meeting was part of the World Bank’s regular supervision and support mission, which will continue from April 10th to 17th, 2025.