LGA to Discuss Diplomatic Passports for Local Councillors

The Local Government Authority (LGA) has announced plans to engage in discussions with Maldives Immigration regarding the provision of diplomatic passports to local councillors. 

This move follows a proposal from the Thinadhoo Council and was approved during an LGA board meeting held yesterday.

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Local Government Minister Adam Shareef stated that discussions on providing diplomatic passports to mayors, atoll and island council presidents, and council members have been ongoing for some time. Minister Shareef emphasised that the purpose of issuing these passports is to empower councils and acknowledge their status as elected public officials.

Currently, diplomatic passports in the Maldives are issued to heads of the three government estates, Supreme and High Court judges, Chief Judges of lower courts, ministers, state ministers, and officials of equivalent rank. 

Additionally, members of independent commissions, parliament members, heads of security bodies, their spouses, and their children under the age of 18 are eligible for diplomatic passports.