President ratifies a bill. (Photo/President’s Office)
Maldives bans Israel passport entry
The ban is to remain in place until the current hostilities affecting Palestinian populations are resolved.President Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday ratified an amendment to the Immigration Act to immediately prohibit Israeli passport holders from entering the Maldives until attacks on Palestinians come to an end.
Parliament passed the bill on Tuesday.
“The government of Maldives reaffirms its resolute solidarity with the Palestinian cause and its enduring commitment to the promotion and protection of the rights of the Palestinian people,” the President’s Office said.
“The Maldives continues to advocate for accountability for violations of international law and remains vocal across various international platforms in its condemnation of Israel’s actions.”
The amendment to the Immigration Act was initially introduced a year ago by Galolhu South MP Meekail Naseem of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), as a protest against actions taken by Israel. The proposed legislation originally sought to ban both Israeli citizens and dual nationals from entering the Maldives.
The Parliament’s Security Services Committee considered the bill and, during a meeting held Monday, amended the proposal based on input from the Department of Immigration. The department stated that it had no mechanism to verify dual citizenship status and recommended limiting the entry ban to individuals travelling with Israeli passports.
The committee's report, incorporating this amendment, was submitted to parliament Tuesday. The bill passed with 83 votes in favour. No votes were recorded in opposition.
The amendment establishes a formal ban on individuals carrying Israeli passports from entering the Maldives. The ban is to remain in place until the current hostilities affecting Palestinian populations are resolved.
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