Parliament Committee Recommends Ban on Israeli Citizens Entry into Maldives

The Foreign Relations Committee of the Parliament convened yesterday to deliberate and subsequently endorsed a recommendation, advising the government to prohibit Israeli passport holders from entering the Maldives.

The motion, initiated by Ahmed Haitham, an Independent Member representing Machangoalhi South Constituency, gained approval during the committee’s meeting held earlier today, coinciding with a public gathering near the parliament building.

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Expressing condemnation for what he deemed as Israel’s inhumane attacks on Palestinians, Haitham articulated his position in a letter, advocating for the imposition of a ban on Israeli citizens entering the Maldives.

During the emergency committee session, all members who addressed the gathering voiced support for Haitham’s recommendation.

Ibrahim Shareef, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Member of Parliament from Maradhoo constituency, highlighted the constitutional prerogative vested in the President, citing Article 115, which grants authority over foreign affairs matters. Shareef suggested that the matter be brought to the government’s attention.

Mohamed Saeed, Vice President of the Progressive National Congress (PNC) and Maavashu Constituency Member, echoed Shareef’s sentiment, emphasising that the committee lacked the authority to alter foreign policy. He suggested forwarding the issue to the government for consideration.

Ahmed Saleem, MDP Member of Parliament representing Hoarafushi, asserted the sentiments of the Maldivian populace, stating that they oppose the entry of Israelis into the country due to the inhumane attacks on Palestine. 

Saleem proposed that the committee communicates its stance to the new President, expressing a desire to implement the policy outlined in the letter.

Following deliberations and members’ comments, the committee endorsed a recommendation urging the government to prohibit Israeli citizens from entering the Maldives. 

The decision, supported by a majority of four out of five present members, will be communicated to the government and the President through an official letter. The identity of the member who did not cast a vote remains undisclosed at this time.