Maldives to roll out paperless government system
Cloud-based platform aims to eliminate paperwork across state institutions, streamlining administration in geographically dispersed island nation
MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — The Maldives is preparing to launch a new nationwide digital correspondence system aimed at moving government administration fully online, as the country advances efforts to modernize public services and reduce reliance on paper-based processes.
The upgraded platform, known as GEMS 2.0, is scheduled to go live in March and will replace earlier electronic letter management tools used across state institutions. The system is being implemented by Maldives Digital Services, which oversees national digital infrastructure and platforms.
Originally introduced in 2012, the first version of the Government Electronic Management System was designed to digitize official correspondence but faced limitations related to efficiency, accessibility and system fragmentation over time.
Officials involved in the rollout say the new version has been rebuilt to function as a fully paperless platform, covering the full lifecycle of administrative work rather than serving primarily as a document repository.
One of the major changes in GEMS 2.0 is its shift to cloud-based access, allowing government offices to use the system without being restricted to internal networks. The platform includes digital signatures, case and workflow management, mail tracking and a public submission module intended to streamline how citizens and institutions interact with government offices.
The system is expected to gradually replace multiple legacy applications currently used across ministries and agencies, consolidating administrative processes into a single platform. According to implementation plans, the transition will take place in phases to minimize disruption.
More than 960 government offices and agencies are currently undergoing training to prepare for the rollout, reflecting the scale of the transition across the public sector. The move is part of a broader push to digitize state services under Maldives’ long-term digital transformation agenda, which aims to improve efficiency, reduce operational costs and standardize administrative practices.
For a country spread across hundreds of islands, officials involved in digital governance say reducing paperwork and physical file movement is seen as a practical necessity rather than a symbolic reform.
Analysts note that while such systems are common in larger states, nationwide adoption in small island countries presents distinct logistical challenges, making implementation a significant administrative milestone.
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