The Australian Government is now in a caretaker period in advance of the forthcoming election. Until a new government is sworn in, government operations are conducted in accordance with the caretaker conventions.
Welcome to the Australian High Commission, Republic of Maldives
A message from the High Commissioner HE David Jessup
Australia and Maldives established diplomatic relations in 1974, and have since pursued common interests with a relationship underpinned by mutual respect and trust. We are neighbours across the Indian Ocean, sharing Commonwealth ties and people-to-people links which extend back many decades.
The opening of Australia’s High Commission in Malé in 2023 further deepened our friendship, and reflects Australia’s increased engagement in the Indian Ocean region. Australia and the Maldives share a strong interest in a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean, where countries can cooperate, trade and thrive.
Australia runs a significant development assistance programme in Maldives. Our focus is on education, where scholarship programs like Australia Awards have supported more than 700 Maldivians to study in Australia and have gone on to work at the highest levels of government and business. Australia also focuses on climate change, maritime safety and security, governance and gender equality.
On our website you will find information about Australia’s foreign policy and development programs; trade and investment; visas and immigration; education in Australia; and answers to frequently asked questions.
Australians in Maldives are encouraged to subscribe to travel advice updates through www.smartraveller.gov.au.
If you would like to see more about what we are up to, check out our Instagram, Facebook and X feeds.
The Australian Government is now in a caretaker period in advance of the forthcoming election. Until a new government is sworn in, government operations are conducted in accordance with the caretaker conventions.
Voting in the 3 May 2025 Federal Election
The Australian Federal Election has been announced for Saturday 3 May 2025. If you’re an Australian citizen overseas on the day of the election, you can still have your say by voting at on overseas voting centre or by postal vote.
In-Person Voting
You will be able to vote in-person at the Australian High Commission in Malé according to this schedule below:
|
Day |
Opening Hours |
|
Tuesday, 22 April 2025 |
09:00am – 03:00pm |
|
Wednesday, 23 April 2025 |
09:00am – 03:00pm |
|
Thursday, 24 April 2025 |
09:00am – 03:00pm |
|
Saturday, 26 April 2025 |
12:00pm – 03:00pm |
|
Sunday, 27 April 2025 |
09:00am – 03:00pm |
|
Monday, 28 April 2025 |
09:00am – 03:00pm |
|
Tuesday, 29 April 2025 |
09:00am – 03:00pm |
|
Wednesday, 30 April 2025 |
09:00am – 12:00pm |
Please note that all times are local to the Australian High Commission, Malé.
What to expect at the Australian High Commission, Malé
Postal Voting
If you are overseas and are unable to vote in-person, you can visit the AEC website to apply for a postal vote.
Postal vote packs will be sent to you by international courier from Australia commencing three weeks before polling day. The latest date to request an overseas postal vote from the AEC is 6pm, Wednesday 30 April 2025. Please note this may be too late for your postal vote to reach you and you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. If you provided an email address or phone number when applying for a postal vote, you will receive an automatic notification when it is dispatched.
If you did not provide an email address or phone number and your postal vote does not arrive within 10 days from the date you submitted your application, call the AEC on +61 2 6160 2600.
You can mail your completed postal vote to:
Australian High Commission
Level 5, JEN Hotel
Ameer Ahmed Magu
Malé, 20096 Republic of Maldives
or drop it off in person no later than 12:00pm Wednesday, 30 April 2025.
You can also return your postal vote directly to the AEC in Australia. The cost to return your postal vote by courier or mail to the Australian High Commission, Malé or to the AEC in Australia is your responsibility.
For your postal vote to be counted it must be completed before 6pm AWST time 3 May 2025, and received by the AEC in Australia by 6pm Friday 16 May 2025 AEST.
Further information
You must be enrolled to vote. You can enrol, update your details or check your details on the AEC website.
If you can't vote because you are overseas, you need to advise the AEC by completing an Overseas Notification Form.
Find additional information on the election and voting at these websites:
Australia Awards scholarships
Applications for the Australian Awards scholarships are now open. Please see here for more details.
Information sessions will be held for potential applicants in the coming week. You can register for a session via this link: https://australiaawardsmaldives.org/
For any further scholarship enquiries, please email: [email protected]
Consular Assistance
We provide consular advice and services, and some passport services, to Australians in Maldives. Information in "Australians" tab above.
Emergency Assistance
The Australian Government provides 24-hour a day emergency consular assistance.
If you are an Australian citizen requiring urgent consular assistance call the Chancery on + 960 334 0080.
Outside local working hours, call the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Consular Operations Centre directly on:
• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 from within Australia
Travel Advice
Get travel advice from Smartraveller and follow our social media platforms for regular updates – Instagram, Facebook and X.
Contact Information
Australian High Commission
Level 5, JEN Hotel
Ameer Ahmed Magu
Malé, 20096 Republic of Maldives
Telephone: +960 334 0080
For 24 hour consular emergency assistance please telephone 1300 555 135 from within Australia, or + 61 2 6261 3305 from overseas.
Opening Hours
The Consular Section is open to the public from 9.30am to 3.00pm Sunday to Thursday, except for public holidays.
Public Holidays in 2025
|
Day |
Date |
Public Holiday |
|
Wednesday |
1 January 2025 |
New Year’s Day |
|
Monday |
31 March 2025 |
Eid al-Fitr |
|
Tuesday |
1 April 2025 |
Eid al-Fitr (in lieu) |
|
Wednesday |
2 April 2025 |
Eid al-Fitr (in lieu) |
|
Thursday |
1 May 2025 |
Labour Day |
|
Thursday |
5 June 2025 |
Hajj Day |
|
Sunday |
8 June 2025 |
Eid al-Alha (in lieu) |
|
Thursday |
26 June 2025 |
Islamic New Year |
|
Sunday |
24 August 2025 |
National Day |
|
Thursday |
4 September 2025 |
Prophet Muhammad's Birthday |
|
Wednesday |
24 September 2025 |
The day Maldives embraced Islam |
|
Monday |
3 November 2025 |
Victory Day |
|
Tuesday |
11 November 2025 |
Republic Day |
|
Thursday |
25 December 2025 |
Christmas Day |
